A.R.E. was founded in 1969. The company's name comes from the first initial of his three oldest children: Anne Marie, Ralph, and Elizabeth.

A.R.E. originally produced aluminum recreational truck caps. In 1979 they began production Deluxe Commercial Units (aluminum truck caps for commercial use).

In 1982 A.R.E. worked with a sister company to begin manufacturing fiberglass truck caps. In the late 1980s they began the process of painting caps using an automotive base coat / clear coat system.

In 1995, A.R.E. opened their state of the art 256,000 square feet facility in Massillon, Ohio. The plant produces more truck caps and covers than any other, and is the most environmentally conscious facility in the industry.