Every enterprise, no matter how big or small they are today, has a story that’s worth telling. As the saying goes, “We’ve all got to start somewhere.” In the case of MAHLE, one of the world’s foremost automotive systems suppliers, that story starts in the Old Country–namely, Germany–with Hermann and Ernst Mahle.

In the 1920s, the two brothers found themselves working for a small piston manufacturer, Versuchsbau Hellmuth Hirth, in Cannsttat in the country’s southwest region of Baden-Württemburg. Hermann worked his way up to becoming the company’s commercial manager, while Ernst took on the role as the engineering manager. By 1933, the duo were running the whole show as the owners of VHH, and in 1938, the company was renamed MAHLE KG (KG being short for Kommanditgesellschaft, meaning “limited partnership”).

The brothers took part in developments that cemented MAHLE early on as an innovator. Ideas like the first controlled-expansion piston and first aluminum ring carrier piston for diesel engines were to become important inventions in the automotive realm, and keep MAHLE on the leading edge in the coming years.

Fast forward to today, and MAHLE is now among the top three automotive systems suppliers worldwide in terms of engine systems, filtration, electrics/mechatronics, and thermal management. It has more than 30 locations across all oceans, from the U.S. to Great Britain to China to Japan, and then some. Aftermarket products like turbochargers, filters, thermostats, and gaskets have been buttressed by the acquisition of Clevite and its signature bearings, and made a big impression from racing to street applications. Last but not least, charitable acts through the MAHLE Foundation have made a difference in the lives of individuals with medical and social projects in several countries, most notably Brazil.

When you want to reach for top-quality parts from a world-class organization, MAHLE should be on your short list of companies to check out. Find it online and peruse its offerings to make your motor sing and your heart pump.