WORK Wheels was founded in Japan in 1977 by Takeshi Tanaka, initially focusing on high-quality wheels for motorsport and street use.
The company rapidly expanded in the 1980s, establishing its first 3-piece wheel assembly plant in 1979 and
moving into motorsports with Team Equip in 1982.
This growth included opening new factories, establishing a painting facility in 1981, and beginning exports to the USA in 1983.