In just four years, the mobile car service Wrench has grown from a start-up company with only 30 employees in Seattle to a company that provides multi-service operations in dozens of cities. Now it is establishing a partnership with the tire and repair giant Bridgestone, which has just led a new round of investment for the company. Wrench declined to say how much money was raised.
The new partnership will pair Wrench’s mobile service platform with more than 2,200 auto service stores in Bridgestone Americas, a subsidiary of Bridgestone America.
Wrench employs “mobile mechanics” in 40 metropolitan areas across the country. They book through the app to provide customers with repair work without a physical store or dealer. In addition, Wrench also provides roadside trailers, vehicle detail design, tire installation and pre-purchase inspection services.
Wrench has approximately 285 employees, about half of which are mechanics, and there are more than 5,000 inspectors on its platform.
In the past few years, Wrench has acquired several companies that have built their products or attracted competitors.
Last year, Wrench acquired Lemon Squad, an automotive testing company, strengthened its automotive testing department, and established a partnership with Tirescanner, an online tire retailer and mobile tire installation service. Wrench also acquired competitors from Toronto-based Fiix and Chicago-based Octobots.
The new partnership will enable Bridgestone stores to provide mobile vehicle service appointments supported by Wrench. According to a statement from Bridgestone, the two companies will detail their integration plans later this year.
“Our collaboration with Bridgestone will help accelerate the digital transformation of the industry. This allows the two companies to expand our customer service while jointly developing our technology and vehicle maintenance expertise,” Wrench CEO Ed Peterson Said in a statement.
During the pandemic, Wrench’s fleet vehicle service revenue surged. Driven by strong demand for delivery vehicles, it increased by 300% year-on-year in 2020.
Wrench had previously raised $20 million in June. According to a Wrench spokesperson, Madrona Venture Group, Tenaya Capital, Vulcan Capital, Alumni Venture Group and Arnold Venture Group also participated in the latest round of financing.