WeatherTech Considers Private Equity Buyout: Report

BOLINGBROOK, IL — Bolingbrook-based WeatherTech is in the early states of gauging interest in a private equity buyout of the company, according to a report from PE Hub.

MacNeil Automotive Products, which does business as WeatherTech, recently began soliciting interest from private equity firms, the report said, noting, the company is "an appealing acquisition" with a majority of its floor mat products produced in the U.S.

The company, headquartered at 841 Remington Boulevard, offers automotive accessories ranging from all-weather floor mats to sun shades and phone and tablet holders, as well as pet products from car seat protectors and safety harnesses to pet feeding systems.

Locally, WeatherTech is known for its Super Bowl ads, including one that paid tribute to veterinarians that cared for its late golden retriever mascot, Scout.

WeatherTech got its start in 1989 when CEO David MacNeil began importing floor mats from England.

"However, MacNeil was convinced that he could create a better product right here in America, using American materials, American machines and American workers," the company website notes. "In 2007 he made the decision to move production of his entire line of automotive accessories to America, opening facilities within the suburbs of Chicago."