 circa 1970 |
 circa 1980 |
 current logo |
Since 1920, National Bushing & Parts Company has served professional installers and serious do-it-yourself customers throughout Minnesota. In the 1990s, the National Bushing transitioned to the Auto Value banner. Today, there are more than 100 Auto Value parts stores throughout Minnesota, North Dakota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
Our History
In 1938, Jack Bartlett joined the company as a janitor, while finishing high school. Working his way up through various positions (including machinist and salesman), he became store manager in the mid 1950s. With a group of partners, he purchased the St. Cloud store from the retiring founders. Over the next few years, they acquired additional National Bushing locations.
When Jack passed away in 1976, his son, John stepped up to lead the growing organization - which had come to be known as Automotive Parts Headquarters, Inc (APH). John led APH through significant growth of its corporate store group in the 1980s and 1990s.
Today, with its network of independent and corporate Auto Value parts stores, APH is consistently ranked in the top 20 auto parts store chains, according to Aftermarket Business magazine. In 2002, Auto Value/APH employees became 1/3 owners of the company through an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP). Corey, John's son, is now president of APH and is leading the company on a path of continued growth.
