Many changes have taken place at Mitchell 1 since it was founded as a private company called Reed Electrical Manuals. Now, Mitchell 1 is looking back over its long history as it celebrates 90 years of providing repair information solutions to the automotive industry.
Reed Electrical Manuals was originally established to provide the first specifications and diagrams of vehicle electrical systems to the new motoring public and the technicians that would learn to service these new automobiles. Reed Electrical Manuals underwent many changes, including name and ownership changes, to get where the company is today – Mitchell 1.
“Though Mitchell 1 started out as a simple provider of technical information in printed manuals to the professional technician, it has grown over the years to become a fully integrated software service provider,” said Ken Young, executive vice president, sales & marketing, Mitchell 1. “In addition to printed manuals, Mitchell 1 has developed computer-based repair systems and has provided information solutions that help make automotive professionals’ jobs easier.”
Over the years, Mitchell 1’s products have changed. Glenn Mitchell founded the well-known “Mitchell Manuals” in his garage in 1946. They focused mainly on repair and service issues and provided an easy-to-use parts catalog for collision repair estimating. His repair manuals were unique to the industry because they arranged collision parts by the quadrant of the car where they would be used. Previously, repair manuals listed component parts, just like the manufacturers’ manuals. Eventually, he added labor and paint times, which help body shops and insurance companies prepare a repair estimate and create a bill of materials and work order.
The Mitchell 1 “Mitchell Manuals” have grown to include a family of integrated software and Internet-based Shop Management and Repair Information designed to improve repair shop productivity. Mitchell 1 supplies materials and training to independent repair shops across the country. Mitchell 1’s OnDemand5 and Manager products now serve as the industry standard for innovative repair, estimating and management software. The Mitchell 1 Business Performance Services gives shop owners automated marketing solutions to improve bottom line profits.
Mitchell 1 is a sponsor of the ASE Technician of the Year and awarded the 2009 winner in a special ceremony in November. Mitchell 1 has also been recognized for its contribution to the future of the automotive aftermarket. In August 2009, the North American Council of Automotive Teachers (NACAT) recognized Mitchell 1 with the 2009 Friends of NACAT Award. This award recognizes companies that are long-time supporters of NACAT through regular communication with NACAT instructors and participation in their trade show and conference.
Following are company milestones:
1920: Service Engineering Corporation buys Reed Manuals, develops National Service
Data line of manuals
1946: Glenn Mitchell founded Mitchell Manuals in his garage, producing the first collision estimating guides to include parts illustrations, prices and part numbers
1958: Glenn Mitchell produces the first Pocket Estimator with labor times
1968: Mitchell purchases National Automotive Service, buying a legacy of mechanical service and repair data dating back to 1920
1970s:
• Mitchell publishes the first lineup of service and repair manuals for import cars, with coverage dating back to the early 1960s
• Cordura Corporation acquires Glenn Mitchell Manuals
• Mitchell publishes the first light truck service and repair lineup of manuals
1980’s:
• The Thomson Corporation purchases Mitchell Manuals from Cordura Corporation
• Mitchell releases ON-DEMAND, the first computer-based repair information product for repair shops
1990’s:
• Mitchell provides the first Windows-based product for repair information
• Snap-on acquires a majority interest in Mitchell Repair
• Mitchell Repair is first to market with repair data on DVD
Since 2000:
• Mitchell Repair is first to compress gigabytes of automotive repair and estimating information into palm-based devices
• Mitchell Repair changes its name to Mitchell 1
• Mitchell 1 introduces OnDemand5 line of products
More information:
• Mitchell 1
