I have to tell you that I’m pretty excited about today’s visit to one of a few Work Wheels factories. This one in particular is their assembly plant where 25 employee’s produce some of the best wheels Japan has to offer. A year ago Mr. Tanaka, the founder of Work Wheels visited the Fatlace Paddock and since I was coming to Osaka, they invited me to come over and check their factory out. So here it is, WORK WHEELS. Japan’s premiere manufacturer of high quality automotive performance wheels

WORK WHEELS. SuperWheels. Pretty much says it all…

While the anticipation for the factory visit is high, it’s essential to acknowledge the importance of safety in such industrial settings. Instances of unforeseen events, such as a factory catching fire, can pose significant threats to both personnel and the manufacturing process. Implementing a comprehensive firewatch program becomes imperative in mitigating such risks. By incorporating diligent firewatch protocols, companies like Work Wheels can proactively monitor and respond to any potential fire hazards, ensuring the continued safety of their facilities and the preservation of the craftsmanship that goes into producing Japan’s premier automotive wheels. This commitment to safety enhances the overall experience of enthusiasts like yourself, assuring a visit to the factory that not only showcases excellence but prioritizes the well-being of all involved.

The ship out around 500 wheels domestically out daily.


There were 3 huge warehouses. 1 looked like this.


The other was like this. Barrels on Barrels on Barrels.


If you get excited about smelling brand new shoes, Im sure you wheel guys love this photo. 🙂


The assembly line rollers were soooo smooth. I’m pretty sure they had ball bearings in them. Super quiet and they were angled so the wheels slowly rolled away once you placed the wheels on top.


I’m going to show you guys the process they take to make the best 3 piece wheels in Japan. I’m saying the best because they not only produce their own wheel line but they do private label for most of the brands in Japan and outside of the country. I can’t talk about that but I can tell you they’re high end. This particular photo shows step 2. Barrels are picked according to size, bolts are placed in.


Once the center is chosen the bolt are removed and placed again.


Next the bolts are lightly tightened at a certain pressure.


The wheels then are rolled to the next step.


This guy makes sure the wheel is true’d and tightened once again.


Ensuring the wheel you just ordered is super straight. Yes, its alot of process but you get what you pay for and its not even over yet….


Sexy wheel!


Work Wheel doesn’t put glue, they actually weld their 3 piece wheels together. When the wheel is damaged being it a 3 piece, they have machines to break the welds. This isnt the same type of weld they do on their 2 piece builds but its done to ensure a solid wheel.


Welding in progress.


The final tighten happens next.


After the welding is done, it’s tested for how perfect the wheel spins. When you as a customer gets these wheels, know that this is the process it takes to make one of them and know that there’s a ton of pride in doing so.


I can only think of one or two wheel companies that do this state side. For the price you pay for these wheels, you’re ensured quality. And we’re not done yet…


Another look at the process of truing the wheel, this time it happens again after the welds are put on. Look how clean that weld is.


Close up. Perfect.


Silicon glue is added next.


Rivet bolts then get glued so they dont get loose while driving.


A black light then checks to make sure there’s glue on each and every bolt.


Damn that clean.


Each wheel is then engraved with bolt pattern, size, offset and each gets its own serial number.


Finally complete.


Another look at their factory.


Spotted these Meister CR01’s with a pretty nice brushed black barrel and brushed face with chrome rivets. Super deep for that A$$.


More Barrels.


Metal shavings fror the wheels where they add the welds.


You’ve seen the 3 piece assembly line. Here’s how the 2 piece goes down. They start with a face thats produced in one of their other factories. Each barrel is heated in one of their heaters so they expand.


A new face from their 2013 catalog.


Close up of the heater.


After the barrel gets up to temperature, the face is then placed inside. It then gets cold air and the barrel shrinks and the face is stuck.


Welding then happens.


Machine fish scale welding. Super clean.


Mr. Tanaka checking out the assembly line while these wheels get ready for the next step


Each weld then gets a clean coat of spray to protect it from the environments. And then its done.


Awesome set for a RWB customer in Thailand. The rears are 18×14 with a -46 offset and require no spacers.


More boxes on the other side of the factory. I believe they’re barrels inside them.


Toshi’s 993 Rough Rhythm RWB with new Meisters. 18×14 rears with no spacers.


Toshi, I and Mr. Tanaka who established the wheel company in 1977.


Hatchi Roku showed up. It has the new sizes offered in the Work Emotion. Turning full lock is achieved as the bodykit and body was trimmed to accept these huge 19X11 wheels.


Two sexy ladies.


Backed up the 993 to get this shot. Sexy.

Mark Arcenal

Creative Director at Arcenal
Lived the Agency life for over a decade and then moved to client side and helped in launching the biggest brand Nike has to date, Nike Sportswear as the Global Digital Lead.

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