Advanced Accessory Systems

Advanced Accessory Systems, headquartered in Sterling Heights, Michigan, USA, is a leading global supplier of roof rack systems, towing systems and related lifestyle accessories to the automotive OEM and aftermarket. With 25 facilities in 13 countries, its companies design, engineer, manufacture and distribute these products throughout North America and Europe. Four operating business units make up its structure, including SportRack Automotive, Brink International, Valley Industries, and Valley Automotive. Revenue for 2003 reached $360 million.

SportRack Automotive, with its corporate offices in Sterling Heights, Michigan, is the OEM rack systems global supplier and also includes the SportRack Accessories aftermarket lifestyle accessory business. Brink International is headquartered in Staphorst, The Netherlands, and is the largest towing systems supplier in Europe. Valley Industries, in Lodi, California, is the North American aftermarket hitch systems manufacturer; and Valley Automotive, Madison Heights, Michigan, supplies North American hitch systems to the OEM.

Advanced Accessory Systems was acquired by Castle Harlan, Inc. in April of 2003.