Serving Bathust, Central Tablelands and Western NSW. Phone (02) 63313088

Brief History

 

Family History

 

The McGrath and Press families first settled the Bathurst area in the 1870’s, initially at Burraga, during the copper and mineral mining operations that commenced there at that time. As times changes the families diversified and eventually settled in newly proclaimed City of Bathurst.

 

During WWII, John Noel McGrath (Noel) was distinguished as an Engineer by solving problems with aircraft bomb delivery systems for the Australian military and subsequently was a major contributor to the successful manufacture in Australia of the humble ball bearing. Noel become a respected member of the local business community and held the local Holden Dealership (Noel McGrath Motor Industries). He was also an active member of the Local Council, holding positions of Lord Mayor, Deputy Mayor or Alderman spanning 30 years.

 

Mitchell Batteries

 

In the 1960’s a Company based in Sydney called Lead Products Ltd. produced components for lead acid batteries and actively encourage the manufacture of batteries in communities throughout Australia. At the industry’s peak there were over 300 local Manufacturers.

 

Mitchell Batteries commenced operating in April 1969, manufacturing lead acid batteries for automotive vehicles, home lighting and stand by systems. John McGrath (Noel’s son) was proprietor, in partnership with his wife Marie (Press). Batteries were sold throughout the Central West and most of Western NSW.

 

The ability to manufacture batteries from components enhanced a solid understanding of the practical science needed to produce a serviceable and reliable battery. The ability to rebuild and/or repair batteries was extremely popular with the local farmer and fleet manager, especially given the cold Bathurst winter. This fundamental understanding of batteries is still very strong, especially under the management of Mitchell Batteries by Peter McGrath today (John McGrath's son).

 

Imported batteries flooded the Australian market during the late 1980’s and local manufacturing became uneconomical and therefore scaled down. While many of the local battery manufactures ceased business, Mitchell Batteries survived by offering excellent service and repair options to the man on the land.

 

In 1998 a formal Company was formed with Peter McGrath as CEO. In 2002 a Marine Section was added. Renowned suppliers’ STACER Aluminum boats. Mercury and Tohatsu Motors are now retailed from the Mitchell Batteries premises. As expected a repair service for all marine products is offered.