Custom and production headers, exhaust systems, and fabrication services for automotive performance
Kooks manufactures headers and exhaust components for domestic vehicles, from bolt-on production applications to high-horsepower race builds. The company is actively automating manufacturing—welding robots, laser systems, TIG/MIG optimization—while fighting operational friction: downtime, inbound call volume, inventory logistics, and declining sales velocity. A manufacturing-heavy hiring mix with lean support and sales teams signals capacity expansion and internal process tightening rather than top-line scaling.
Kooks Headers and Exhaust, founded in 1962 and based in Statesville, North Carolina, designs and manufactures headers, exhaust systems, and tube-bending services for automotive applications ranging from production vehicles to extreme performance engines (3,000+ horsepower). The company offers both direct-to-consumer bolt-on products and custom fabrication, including mandrel bends, welding, forming, specialty collectors, mufflers, and private-label services. Internal operations leverage Allen-Bradley and Siemens control systems, CMMS for maintenance, and standard Microsoft productivity tools. Current operational priorities center on manufacturing efficiency—kaizen initiatives, automation implementation, defect reduction—while addressing order processing speed and shipping logistics.
Kooks manufactures headers, exhaust systems, and exhaust components for domestic automobiles, from production bolt-on applications to custom race builds. Additional services include mandrel bending, welding, forming, specialty collectors, and private-label fabrication.
Kooks Headers is headquartered in Statesville, North Carolina. The company was founded in 1962 and is privately held.
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