Empire Auto Parts is not a manufacturer itself. It is a specialty distributor that sources aftermarket collision replacement parts from independent manufacturers and supplies them to auto body shops across the United States.
The company is owned by Sentinel Capital Partners, a private equity firm based in New York that acquired Empire Auto Parts in November 2021.
Empire stocks more than 49,000 products, including bumper covers, headlights, hoods, fenders, grilles, mirrors and trunk lids, covering more than 600 vehicle models.
Knowing who owns and supplies Empire Auto Parts helps collision repair shops and everyday car owners understand where the parts on the shelf actually come from.
This guide covers Empire Auto Parts ownership, product range, distribution network, pricing reputation and how it compares with other aftermarket collision parts suppliers.
So lets get started.
Table of Contents
Who Owns Empire Auto Parts
Empire Auto Parts is a private company owned by Sentinel Capital Partners, a New York based private equity firm, according to the Sentinel Capital Partners portfolio page for Empire Auto Parts.
Sentinel acquired Empire Auto Parts in November 2021, taking over a business built around a hub and spoke distribution model rather than in house manufacturing.
The Sentinel team overseeing the investment includes partners focused on growth oriented industrial and distribution companies in the automotive aftermarket sector.
Empire does not publicly disclose a specific founder or founding year, and the company is best understood today as a professionally managed distribution platform rather than a family business.
What Products Does Empire Auto Parts Supply
Empire Auto Parts focuses entirely on aftermarket collision replacement parts, the exterior components that get damaged in accidents and need fast replacement.
Its catalog includes bumper covers, headlamp and taillight assemblies, hoods, fenders, grilles, door mirrors, bezels and trunk lids for more than 600 vehicle models.
Many of these parts are certified through CAPA, the Certified Automotive Parts Association, an independent body that tests aftermarket collision parts for fit and quality.
Empire does not manufacture these components in house. Instead it works with a network of contracted manufacturers that produce aftermarket crash parts overseas and in North America.
Where Are Empire Auto Parts Manufactured
Like most aftermarket collision parts suppliers, Empire sources its bumper covers, lighting and sheet metal parts from manufacturers in Taiwan, China and other established aftermarket parts producing regions.
The exact factory behind any individual part depends on the vehicle model and part category, since Empire works with multiple manufacturing partners rather than a single supplier.
This sourcing model is standard across the collision parts industry and mirrors how competitors covered in our Where Are A Premium Auto Parts Made guide build their catalogs.
Empire’s role is distribution and logistics rather than production, which is why quality can vary slightly depending on which manufacturer produced a specific part number.
Empire Auto Parts Distribution Network
Empire Auto Parts operates on a hub and spoke model, running regional distribution centers that deliver parts same day or next day to collision repair shops.
The company serves customers across 28 states from its base in Totowa, New Jersey, and continues opening new distribution centers as part of its growth plan under Sentinel Capital Partners.
This same day delivery focus is Empire’s main competitive advantage, since collision shops need parts quickly to keep repair bays moving and insurance estimates on schedule.
Empire’s growth strategy centers on expanding this delivery footprint rather than building new manufacturing capacity of its own.
Is Empire Auto Parts Really Good or Worth It
Empire Auto Parts has built its reputation on speed and breadth of inventory rather than being the cheapest option on the market.
Collision shops that need a hard to find bumper cover or headlight assembly often turn to Empire because of its same day and next day delivery promise across its 28 state footprint.
On the downside, because Empire outsources manufacturing to multiple third party factories, fit and finish quality can vary between part numbers, a common issue with aftermarket collision parts generally.
For shops that prioritize turnaround time and want a wide selection of CAPA style aftermarket parts, Empire is generally considered a solid choice, while shops needing certified OEM matched fitment may still prefer factory parts for higher end repairs.
Empire Auto Parts vs OEM Replacement Parts
OEM parts come directly from the original vehicle manufacturer and typically cost more, while Empire’s aftermarket parts are designed to fit and function similarly at a lower price point.
Insurance companies often specify aftermarket parts like Empire’s on repair estimates to control costs, a major reason collision shops keep Empire in their supplier rotation.
CAPA certified parts, which make up a portion of Empire’s catalog, are tested against OEM specifications for fit, corrosion resistance and structural performance.
Car owners who want factory matched parts can request OEM parts instead, though this usually means a higher repair bill and sometimes a longer wait for the part to arrive.
Empire Auto Parts Compared to Other Collision Parts Suppliers
Empire competes with other regional and national aftermarket collision parts distributors, including companies covered in our Where Are SKP Auto Parts Made guide.
Unlike NAPA or Carquest, which sell a broad range of mechanical and maintenance parts, Empire focuses almost entirely on collision and crash replacement parts.
This specialization lets Empire stock deeper inventory in its category, part of why collision shops keep it as a go to source for exterior body parts.
Its private equity ownership under Sentinel Capital Partners also sets it apart from independently owned competitors, giving it more capital to expand its distribution centers quickly.
How Empire Auto Parts Handles Quality Control
Aftermarket collision parts sold by Empire go through fit and finish checks before reaching distribution centers, since inconsistent quality is the biggest risk in outsourced manufacturing.
Many parts in the Empire catalog carry certification from CAPA, the Certified Automotive Parts Association, an independent nonprofit that tests aftermarket parts against OEM specifications.
CAPA certification checks structural strength, corrosion resistance and dimensional accuracy, giving collision shops a way to judge aftermarket part quality before installation.
Shops that specifically request CAPA certified parts from Empire generally have more confidence in fitment compared to uncertified aftermarket alternatives.
Empire Auto Parts Pricing and Ordering Process
Empire sells exclusively to collision repair shops and businesses rather than direct to individual consumers, so pricing is generally handled through business accounts.
Shops place orders through Empire’s online catalog or by phone, with same day or next day delivery available depending on location within its 28 state coverage area.
Pricing on Empire parts is typically lower than OEM dealership parts, which is a major reason insurance estimators frequently specify Empire branded parts on repair orders.
Because Empire operates a hub and spoke distribution model, shops closer to a regional distribution center often see faster turnaround times than those farther away.
Who Buys From Empire Auto Parts
Empire Auto Parts primarily sells to independent collision repair shops, multi shop operators and dealership body shops rather than individual car owners.
Insurance companies also play an indirect role, since many auto insurance appraisers specify aftermarket parts from suppliers like Empire on collision repair estimates to help control claim costs.
Fleet operators and larger repair chains sometimes negotiate volume pricing with Empire given the scale of Empire’s distribution network across 28 states.
This business to business customer base is why most consumers only encounter the Empire Auto Parts name indirectly, through the repair shop handling their collision claim.
Empire Auto Parts Warranty and Customer Support
Empire Auto Parts are typically covered by manufacturer backed warranties administered through the collision shop that installed them.
Because Empire sells business to business rather than directly to consumers, most warranty claims and support requests go through the repair shop rather than directly to Empire.
Shops working with Empire can reach the company through its official site at empireautoparts.com for account support, product questions and ordering.
This business to business model means individual car owners rarely interact with Empire directly, even though its parts may end up on their vehicle after a collision repair.
Frequently Asked Questions About Empire Auto Parts
Who Makes Empire Auto Parts
Empire Auto Parts does not manufacture parts itself. It distributes aftermarket collision parts sourced from contracted manufacturers and is owned by Sentinel Capital Partners.
Where Are Empire Auto Parts Made
Empire’s bumper covers, lighting and sheet metal parts are produced by third party manufacturers, largely in Taiwan, China and other established aftermarket parts regions.
Is Empire Auto Parts A Good Brand
Empire is generally well regarded for fast delivery and wide inventory, though quality can vary by part number since it sources from multiple manufacturers rather than producing parts itself.
Who Owns Empire Auto Parts
Sentinel Capital Partners, a New York based private equity firm, has owned Empire Auto Parts since acquiring the company in November 2021.
I am Jack Neel, a mechanical engineer, researcher, and writer. I created this website to share my knowledge about different brands and products with you. I research the manufacturers behind the brands and provide you with the information you need to make smart buying decisions.