Super Tech is Back

[F6Dave]

I was in Walmart today and two employees were filling the shelves with lots of new Super Tech filters, both oil and air. The boxes were a slightly different design but the filters looked the same. The price was a bit higher too, but still much less than any other brand. Fram filters were back too.

[Pluggy]

Yes.  Fram and SuperTech oil filters were products of First Brands.  First Brands went bankrupt.  Premium Guard Inc. bought the Fram brand.  Premium Guard now provides SuperTech to Walmart.  Some or all SuperTech filters are made in Vietnam. 

I've read that Fram is made in the US and other countries.  You may want to check the box.

[F6Dave]

They rearranged the entire filter section. Lots of Super Tech, Fram, Purolator, and Valvoline oil filters. Some OEM too, although far less Motorcraft. Maybe they're dropping those.

These might be from a company in Vietnam called Premium Guard. They make filters for several brands like O'Reilly's and maybe NAPA. Some of the markings and the clear plastic wrap over the opening look the same. I've read they are very high quality filters, so I plan to use them after my stash runs out.

[John Schmidt]

I've read reports of tests on various oils and SuperTech doesn't fare very well so I hesitate to use it.   

[Pluggy]

These might be from a company in Vietnam called Premium Guard.

Hello, Dave.  Consumer auto parts is a difficult business as demand for basic items has been shrinking. Oil changes every 3,000 miles and spark plugs every 12,000 are history. And, less owners DIY.

Premium Guard, Inc. (PGI) is a US company that recently bought brands like Autolite, Fram, and Trico.  Products with PGI brands often come from suppliers in Asia.  SuperTech filters in the store today are made in Vietnam and distributed to Walmart by PGI.   

Are the latest Fram and SuperTech filters the same as those from a year ago?  Probably equivalent. There's likely guys sawing filters open right now to find out.

[98valk]

Yes.  Fram and SuperTech oil filters were products of First Brands.  First Brands went bankrupt.  Premium Guard Inc. bought the Fram brand.  Premium Guard now provides SuperTech to Walmart.  Some or all SuperTech filters are made in Vietnam. 

I've read that Fram is made in the US and other countries.  You may want to check the box.

early on the supertechs were made by Champion Labs. Was first brands connected somehow?

[Pluggy]

Yes.  Fram and SuperTech oil filters were products of First Brands.  First Brands went bankrupt.  Premium Guard Inc. bought the Fram brand.  Premium Guard now provides SuperTech to Walmart.  Some or all SuperTech filters are made in Vietnam. 

I've read that Fram is made in the US and other countries.  You may want to check the box.

early on the supertechs were made by Champion Labs. Was first brands connected somehow?

First Brands owned a number of auto parts brands including Fram and Champion Labs.  When First Brands was in bankruptcy, PGI bought 12 of those auto parts brands. Most of the manufacturing facilities and equipment were not part of the sale.

[F6Dave]

Consumer auto parts is a difficult business as demand for basic items has been shrinking. Oil changes every 3,000 miles and spark plugs every 12,000 are history. And, less owners DIY.

Very true. I hardly know anyone who even changes their own oil anymore. It's actually quite surprising that Walmart carries such a complete line of automotive products. And that so many new auto parts stores keep opening up.

[h13man]

1st. gen of ST oil filters were made by Champion and about 80% of all the other filters also. I use #3323 Bosch since the 1st. gen gone bye-bye. For the rest of the fleet, Napa, Purolator and Q State.