# R A Mitchell Co Inc

**Trade:** Electrical · **Address:** 103 Popes Island, New Bedford, MA 02740, USA · **Phone:** (508) 999-5685 · **Website:** http://www.ramitchell.com/ · **Languages:** English

**Rating: 3.7/5** (medium confidence) — from 8 reviews across 5 sources.
88% of sentiment-scored reviews read net-positive. Last 6 months: 1 reviews, 0 negative.

## The honest read

R A Mitchell sells, installs and services diesel engines and generator systems out of Popes Island in New Bedford — marine, industrial and residential. The homeowner-facing half of that is standby power: whole-house generators, transfer switches, pumps, and the parts and service behind them.

The company's roots are in the fishing fleet. Its own account has Robert A. Mitchell starting the business in 1954 selling Lister engines to fishermen, with the family's fourth generation running it now; the site names Jennifer DeMello as owner and describes the company as woman-owned. Both of those are backed by the state — the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office confirms Women Business Enterprise and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certifications under number 20130155 — though the WBE entry carries an expiry date of 26 September 2026, so ask whether it has been renewed.

Customers write mostly about depth of stock and the service counter. A 2024 reviewer had a 20kW generator installed at home and said the sales team kept its promise to finish on time, correctly and safely, calling the service team prompt and knowledgeable. Another 2024 account praises the parts department for having what is needed in stock most of the time. A 2021 customer who had bought a backup generator years earlier reported it running flawlessly through several storms that took out power. A 2021 review credits Mike Oliveira with cleaning up water-cooled exhaust manifolds off a Detroit Diesel 8V71 — a reminder that much of what comes through the door is heavier than house wiring.

Not everyone left satisfied. A 2021 reviewer looking for a generator fuel switch said nobody even looked at the part, and left two stars.

Two things to square before buying. The website claims 72 years in business and a 1954 founding while the BBB profile records a start date of 9 September 1966 and 59 years. That BBB profile is unrated — the Bureau says it lacks sufficient information — rather than badly rated, and the dealer relationships the site lists for John Deere, Kohler, Winco and Stateline are the company's own statements.

For a South Coast homeowner pricing a whole-house standby generator, this is a long-established dealer with its own parts and service operation rather than an installer who subcontracts the after-care. Ask for the installed price with transfer switch and permits included, and what an annual service visit costs.

**Strengths:**
- In-house parts and service — a stocked counter, not only installations
- Standby power specialists — whole-house generators and transfer switches
- State-certified WBE and DBE — both confirmed under registry number 20130155
- Long-running family business — fourth generation on Popes Island

**Concerns:**
- Certificate expiry — the WBE registry entry runs out 26 September 2026
- Founding year — the site says 1954, the BBB records a 1966 start
- Unrated by the BBB — the Bureau says it lacks sufficient information

**Where sources disagree:**
- The website states 72 years in business and a 1954 founding while the BBB profile records a start date of 9 September 1966 and 59 years in business.
- The dealer relationships listed for John Deere, Kohler, Winco and Stateline are self-reported on the company's own site and are not confirmed by any registry here.
- The Google rating of 4.7 from 46 ratings sits against a BBB profile carrying no rating at all.

## Claims & citations

Every claim below is backed by real evidence rows — uncited claims are dropped in code before publication.

- Sells, installs and services marine, industrial and residential diesel engines and generator systems, along with pumps, transfer switches and parts _(confidence: high)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “A New Bedford, Massachusetts family business that sells, installs and services marine, industrial and residential diesel engines and generat…”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/new-bedford/profile/generator/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-0021-300316) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Generators”
- Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office confirms both a Women Business Enterprise and a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise certification under number 20130155 _(confidence: high)_
  - [Diversity Certification Registry](https://diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx) — “Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification 20130155 verified active — registry holder of record: …”
  - [Diversity Certification Registry](https://diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx) — “Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification 20130155 verified active — registry holder of …”
- Self-reported as a fourth-generation family business founded in 1954 by Robert A. Mitchell selling Lister engines to the fishing industry, now woman-owned with Jennifer DeMello named as owner _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Company history (self-reported): Founded in 1954 by Robert A. Mitchell selling Lister engines to the fishing industry, and now run by the fa…”
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Ownership (self-reported): Fourth-generation family business; the site names Jennifer [Mitchell] DeMello as Owner/Controller and states the …”
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Stated ownership (self-reported): Woman-owned, Family-owned”
- In a 2024 review a homeowner who had a 20kW generator installed said the sales team honoured its promise to finish on time, correctly and safely, and called the service team prompt and knowledgeable _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSURiNlBTNVVREAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x127373caa929cd3c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgIDb6PS5UQ%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Installed a 20kw generator at my home. Would recommend. When faced with difficult issues with contractors, R.A. Mitchell and Sales Team h…”
- A 2024 reviewer praised the parts department for having parts in stock most of the time; a 2021 reviewer reported a backup generator bought years earlier running flawlessly through several storm outages _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUNOaTZTRFl3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x127373caa929cd3c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgICNi6SDYw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ These guys are the best from all parts guys to service and what amazes me 95%of times they have parts in stock  if you need any parts i u…”
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChdDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ2aXEzZXp3RRAB!2m1!1s0x0:0x127373caa929cd3c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID6iq3ezwE%7C%7C?hl=en) — “5★ Bought a backup generator from RA Mitchell several years ago. It's been running flawlessly for years. I couldn't be happier. It's definit…”
- Google shows 4.7 stars from 46 ratings _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google](https://maps.google.com/?cid=1329533629263105340&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA) — “Google: 4.7★ from 46 ratings”
- The Women Business Enterprise certification carries an expiry date of 26 September 2026 _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Diversity Certification Registry](https://diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx) — “Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification 20130155 verified active — registry holder of record: …”
- A 2021 reviewer looking for a generator fuel switch said staff did not look at the part and left two stars _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/reviews/data=!4m8!14m7!1m6!2m5!1sChZDSUhNMG9nS0VJQ0FnSUQ2aWZPalh3EAE!2m1!1s0x0:0x127373caa929cd3c!3m1!1s2@1:CIHM0ogKEICAgID6ifOjXw%7C%7C?hl=en) — “2★ Didn't get good service. Looking for a fuel switch for my generator, they didn't even look at it. Sorry for bothering you.wont be back”
- The BBB profile is not accredited and carries no rating because the Bureau says it lacks sufficient information; it records 20 employees, a 1966 start date and names Robert Mitchell as vice president _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/new-bedford/profile/generator/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-0021-300316) — “BBB profile for R. A. Mitchell Co., Inc. of New Bedford, MA, listed under Generators: not BBB accredited, 'Not Rated' because BBB says it la…”
- The website claims 72 years in business and a 1954 founding while the BBB profile records a start date of 9 September 1966 and 59 years _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Self-reported 72 years in business”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/new-bedford/profile/generator/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-0021-300316) — “BBB profile for R. A. Mitchell Co., Inc. of New Bedford, MA, listed under Generators: not BBB accredited, 'Not Rated' because BBB says it la…”
- The site lists dealer relationships with John Deere Marine, John Deere OEM, Kohler, Winco and Stateline; these are the company's own statements _(confidence: low)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Stated certification/affiliation: John Deere OEM”
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Stated certification/affiliation: John Deere Marine dealer”
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Stated certification/affiliation: Kohler dealer”
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Stated certification/affiliation: Winco dealer”
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “Stated certification/affiliation: Stateline dealer”
- Trade coverage in 2017 described the company as a source for John Deere-powered auxiliary drives, gensets and propulsion engines plus a full line of Mitsubishi diesels, and in 2011 local reporting credited it with building two marine generators for a shark research vessel _(confidence: low)_
  - [eu.southcoasttoday.com](https://eu.southcoasttoday.com/story/business/2011/11/06/r-mitchell-co-builds-generators/49844245007/) — “eu.southcoasttoday.com — Local engine and generator builder R. A. Mitchell Co., Inc. recently completed work on two marine generators that w…”
  - [fish-news.com](https://fish-news.com/cfn/bob-mitchell-of-r-a-mitchell-you-do-what-it-takes/) — “fish-news.com — NEW BEDFORD, MA – These days R.A. Mitchell Co., Inc. is probably best known as a source for John Deere-powered auxiliary dri…”
- Specializes in Electrical _(confidence: medium)_
  - [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com) — “A New Bedford, Massachusetts family business that sells, installs and services marine, industrial and residential diesel engines and generat…”
  - [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/new-bedford/profile/generator/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-0021-300316) — “Services offered (Better Business Bureau): Generators”

## Ownership

- **Certified woman-owned** — verified against Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office (WBE #20130155, verified 2026-08-12). Re-check: https://diversitycertification.mass.gov/BusinessDirectory/BusinessDirectorySearch.aspx
- Identifies as family-owned — the business's own statement, not independently verified.
- **DBE certified** — verified against Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office on 2026-08-12.

## License

Status: **not_found** — verified against the official MA state registry, never self-reported.
Re-check at the official registry: https://elicensing21.mass.gov/CitizenAccess/GeneralProperty/PropertyLookUp.aspx?isLicensee=Y&TabName=Home

## Sources

- [Google](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=R%20A%20Mitchell%20Co%20Inc&query_place_id=ChIJE1FHPAfk5IkRPM0pqcpzcxI): 4.7★ from 46 ratings
- [Exa](https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/lifestyle/2008/11/01/former-city-man-fighting-brain/52211210007/): 3 web mentions across the open web (each linked to its source)
- [Official Website](http://www.ramitchell.com): 72 yrs in business · Self-reported profile and service details
- [Better Business Bureau](https://www.bbb.org/us/ma/new-bedford/profile/generator/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-0021-300316): Listed on this source
- [Google Reviews](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=R%20A%20Mitchell%20Co%20Inc&query_place_id=ChIJE1FHPAfk5IkRPM0pqcpzcxI): Listed on this source

## Mentions

Unverified third-party mentions found on the open web — relay with attribution ("a Reddit commenter said…"), never as Tavlee's own finding.

- “NEW BEDFORD, MA – These days R.A. Mitchell Co., Inc. is probably best known as a source for John Deere-powered auxiliary drives and gensets (along with propulsion engines) – and a full line of Mitsubi…” — fish-news.com (2017-03-01) — https://fish-news.com/cfn/bob-mitchell-of-r-a-mitchell-you-do-what-it-takes/
- “Local engine and generator builder R. A. Mitchell Co., Inc. recently completed work on two marine generators that will aid a research vessel in its continued study of great white sharks and other mari…” — eu.southcoasttoday.com (2011-11-06) — https://eu.southcoasttoday.com/story/business/2011/11/06/r-mitchell-co-builds-generators/49844245007/
- “Tickets can be purchased at R.A. Mitchell Co. Inc. on Pope's Island by calling (774) 930-3794 or (508) 999-5685” — southcoasttoday.com (2008-11-01) — https://www.southcoasttoday.com/story/lifestyle/2008/11/01/former-city-man-fighting-brain/52211210007/

## Recent reviews

- **5/5 · Google Reviews · arthurdubayIII · 2026-05-29**: Best experience being stuck at the bridge ever 🤔
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Tyler Giles · 2024-08-01**: Installed a 20kw generator at my home. Would recommend. When faced with difficult issues with contractors, R.A. Mitchell and Sales Team honored their promise to get the project done on time, correctly, and safely. Service team is prompt, knowledgeable and friendly.
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Jason Rumohr · 2024-02-27**: Very knowledgeable staff, impressed with the service.  Historic location too!
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Manny Pinhancos · 2024-01-17**: These guys are the best from all parts guys to service and what amazes me 95%of times they have parts in stock  if you need any parts i usaly deal victor but all of them are great
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · ArchAngel Charters · 2022-08-05**: 5 stars isn't enough for the professionalism I have received from the staff in all departments.
Being a Merchant Marine for 25 years you learn real quick on who is the best in the industry.
I have had working with Derek, Eli and the parts guys. Doug has gone out of his was a few times to help me wit…
- **2/5 · Google Reviews · Ian the Hairy · 2021-10-03**: Didn't get good service. Looking for a fuel switch for my generator, they didn't even look at it. Sorry for bothering you.wont be back
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · hlbsqr · 2021-09-26**: Bought a backup generator from RA Mitchell several years ago. It's been running flawlessly for years. I couldn't be happier. It's definitely earned it's keep over the course of several years and several storms that knocked out power.  RA Mitchell has the parts, the ability to provide top notch servi…
- **5/5 · Google Reviews · Kendra Chase · 2021-08-20**: Mike Oliveira is awesome for getting your engine parts cleaned up. We brought him our water cooked exhausted manifolds for our Detroit diesel 8v71 and they cleaned up great! Thank you!

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Data freshness: last scanned 2026-08-07T18:55:07.718Z.
Cite as: R A Mitchell Co Inc — Tavlee (https://tavlee.com/contractor/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-new-bedford)
Source: https://tavlee.com/contractor/r-a-mitchell-co-inc-new-bedford