Since the 1930s, O.K. Auto Parts has served professional installers and serious do-it-yourself customers in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. In 1998, O.K. Auto Parts transitioned to the Auto Value banner. Today, there are more than 160 company stores and independent store customers located throughout the Upper Midwest.
Our History
During the 1930s, Chet Peterson opened the first O.K. Auto Parts store in Ironwood, Michigan. Through the next 50 years, Peterson and his son-in-law, Tom Lundin, created a network of 13 O.K. Auto Parts stores located across the northern tier of Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan.
O.K. Auto Parts stores were known throughout the region for offering quality parts, tools, supplies, accessories and paint. Many of the stores were equipped with machine shops capable of handling everything from piecework to a complete engine rebuild. Custom hydraulic hose service was also offered to industry, fleets, contractors, loggers and others.
In 1984, Republic Automotive Parts Inc. purchased the O.K. Auto Parts Stores and distribution center from Lundin. Republic then purchase independently owned Eagle River Auto Parts in 1987; bringing the total number of O.K. Auto Parts Stores to 14.
Republic aligned the O.K stores with the All Pro Parts Stores marketing program in 1993 to better compete with mass merchandisers, chain stores and other participants in the aftermarket. All Pro was a part of the All Pro/Bumper to Bumper Inc. program distribution group, formed in 1992.
In 1998, Automotive Parts Headquarters Inc. (APH), a St. Cloud-based aftermarket auto parts distributor and store group, acquired the O.K. Auto Parts distribution center located in Duluth and all 14 of the O.K. Auto Parts stores it serviced.
In some markets, APH still uses the O.K. Auto Parts name, in conjunction with Auto Value, the common identity of all APH locations. As an Aftermarket Auto Parts Alliance member, APH utilizes the Auto Value brand and draws strength from one of the strongest program groups in the history of the auto parts distribution business. Today, with its network of more than 160 company stores and independent store customers, APH is consistently ranked in Babcox Medias Top 20 Super Stores.