About Thexton Manufacturing
About Thexton Manufacturing
Thexton Manufacturing Company was founded in 1907 and has grown into a leading designer and manufacturer of automotive specialty tools, diagnostic equipment, and service solutions. As a third-generation, family-owned company, Thexton combines more than a century of manufacturing experience with an ongoing focus on quality and innovation.
As automotive demand grew through the 1920s, Thexton found itself drawn into the automotive parts field, and in 1931 the company introduced the Thexton piston expander, which quickly became a strong seller. Loren Tichy began working at Thexton in 1934 and, after 22 years in roles spanning assembly, bookkeeping, and sales management, purchased the company in 1956, leading it until his retirement in 1979.
Following World War II, Thexton grew quickly as OHV sixes and V-8 engines spread throughout the automotive industry, driving demand for specialty service tools. Today the company designs, manufactures, assembles, and packages more than 100 automotive tools, testers, and repair kits from its facility in Bloomington, Minnesota, and ChatMRO indexes this catalog so buyers can search by tool type or vehicle system.
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Frequently asked questions
How long has Thexton Manufacturing been in business?
Thexton Manufacturing was founded in 1907 and has operated as a family-owned company for more than a century. It is currently in its third generation of family ownership.
What was Thexton's breakthrough automotive product?
Thexton introduced the piston expander in 1931, which quickly became a strong-selling automotive specialty tool. This product helped establish the company firmly within the automotive tools field.
Who led Thexton Manufacturing through much of the twentieth century?
Loren Tichy started at Thexton in 1934 and worked in assembly, bookkeeping, and sales management before purchasing the company in 1956. He led Thexton until his retirement in 1979.
What products does Thexton Manufacturing make today?
Thexton designs, manufactures, assembles, and packages more than 100 automotive specialty tools, testers, and repair kits. These products are produced from the company's facility in Bloomington, Minnesota.
Why did Thexton's business grow after World War II?
Demand for Thexton's tools grew quickly after World War II as OHV six-cylinder and V-8 engines spread throughout the automotive industry. This created increased need for specialty tools to service these newer engine types.