>> Company History

William Rex, a blacksmith by trade, went to work as a truck mechanic for REA Express in the early 1900's. By 1909, William realized he did not have the penchant for truck repair. He did, however, see opportunity in a growing industry. William went to work for himself. After speaking with his former bosses at REA about repairing their truck radiators, Rex Radiator & Welding Company was born.

The first Rex Radiator was located near Lake and Wabash in Chicago , IL . In the early 1930's William moved to 1239 West Lake Street in Chicago , and Rex Radiator has been a fixture in the community at that location ever since.

As the years passed, Rex has grown and adapted with the times. In 1975, we opened our second location in Bensenville , IL . In 1984, Rex Radiator in Rockdale , IL opened for business. Four years later, in 1988, Rex Radiator opened its fourth location in East Dundee, IL.

In 1985, Rex Radiator became a corporation. To better service the growing needs of the Chicago land community, Rex Radiator Sales & Distribution, Inc. opened in Bensenville . Soon, it became apparent that a single location would not be able to keep up with the demand for new product and Rex Sales & Distribution expanded to our existing locations in East Dundee , Rockdale, and Chicago . In 2002, we opened our second warehouse in Downers Grove , IL . In the fall of 2004, Rex Radiator Peoria opened it's doors for business to better serve Central Illinois . In the spring of 2005 Rex Radiator Skokie became a reality.

Having just celebrated our 95 th Anniversary, we at Rex have become the most trusted name in radiator repair and sales in the Chicago land metropolitan area. During World War II, we worked for the United States Government assisting in the manufacturing of torpedoes. During the heavily Union influenced 1950's, 60's, and 70's we helped Chicago become the wonderful city it is today by servicing the CTA (Chicago Transit Authority) and most major fleet and trucking accounts in and around the city.

Now, as the fourth generation of Rex's become more and more involved with the daily ins and outs of Rex Radiator, we all look forward to being around for another ninety-five years.