Representing the nation's independent auto recyclers and consolidators, United Recyclers Group sees new opportunities for their members to grow and expand with the recent announcement that LKQ Corporation has acquired Greenleaf Auto Recyclers, LLC, from Schnitzer Steel Industries (SSI).
"The auto recycling business is dynamic and highly competitive," says Michelle Alexander, executive director of URG. "There are probably some nervous independent auto recyclers out there watching what is happening and wondering what it all means for their future. What this transaction really does is create a lot of new opportunities. Working with our members, we intend to capitalize on this changing marketplace to help them find ways to increase sales, quality, and profitability."
"I am really excited about what LKQ has just done," says Mike Kunkel, general manager of American Auto Salvage. "When No. 1 acquires No. 2, that means that No. 3 -- which is us, the nation's independent auto recyclers -- steps up to become No. 2. LKQ has just created an opening in the marketplace that we want to be a part of filling with expanded sales. We are hoping to process a lot more cars, sell a lot more parts, and become even greener in what we do."
According to LKQ, the wholesale recycling business acquired from Greenleaf consists of 17 operating locations, including Michigan, Ohio, Massachusetts, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Texas, and Nevada.
LKQ says it plans to merge certain locations together with its existing wholesale recycling operations, which will result in the elimination of approximately 11 operating locations. In another part of the transaction, SSI acquires several self-service used auto parts operations. SSI says that all of the acquired operations will operate under the company's Pick-n-Pull brand.
For more information, visit www.u-r-g.com or call (303) 367-4391.
