Oct. 7, 2011—NSF International on Thursday announced it certified LKQ Corp. as the first automotive parts distributor under the new NSF International Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program, which certifies distributors who sell automotive collision parts.
The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program helps close the gap in the supply chain between part manufacturers and body shops. The program addresses the needs of collision repair shops, insurers and consumers by requiring distributors to have quality management systems in place that address parts traceability, service and quality, according to NSF.
The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program requires distributors to have formal corrective action for complaints, and an immediate recall plan. To earn certification, LKQ was required to demonstrate that it has effective records systems and inventory tracking systems to track orders and parts through its supply chain, according to NSF.
LKQ also met the following criteria required by NSF:
• an ISO 9001-certified quality management system;
• a part traceability and inventory tracking system;
• a defective parts procedure including a customer part complaint process;
• and the ability to administer a manufacturer’s recall.
“Launched in July as an extension of NSF International’s public health and safety mission, the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program certifies the ability of distributors, such as LKQ, to meet rigid performance standards, including having an effective system to track orders and parts,” said Bob Frayer, director of NSF International’s Automotive Parts Certification Programs and Engineering Laboratories. “Through their certification, LKQ Corporation has demonstrated their commitment to the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program and their support for the program’s rigid performance standards.”
LKQ is now able to use the NSF Certified Distributor mark on its website and promotional materials. LKQ is also included in NSF’s online certification listings and will undergo ongoing quality system inspections to maintain certification, according to NSF.
“LKQ Corporation is proud to be the first NSF certified distributor under the NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program,” said Terry Fortner, vice president of industry relations and market development for LKQ. “We believe NSF’s unique program adds another stringent quality assurance process within parts distribution that ultimately benefits our customers.”
The NSF Automotive Parts Distributor Certification Program complements the NSF Automotive Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program, which certifies the actual automotive collision replacement parts. The Collision Replacement Parts Certification Program certifies that certain parts meet rigid quality, safety and performance standards in terms of form, fit and function, according to NSF.
For more information, visit nsf.org.
