recycler profiles
profils de recycleur
aldon allwest auto salvage ltd auto parts inc
Edmonton, AB 1-800-661-8814 aldonauto.com
Edmonton, AB 1-800-528-1483 allwestparts.com
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Worth Every Acre
Aldon Auto Salvage has lots of history behind it and a bright future ahead. J.C. Wen
There’s a story to be told in every acre of Aldon Auto Salvage’s 99-acre dismantling and recycling yard in Lamont, Alberta. Established in 1970, the family-owned and managed Aldon Auto Salvage was the fruit of Allen, Donna and Ian Carter’s labour. From its original 100x100 foot yard, it has grown to be an advanced auto recycling facility, capable of dismantling approximately 1,000 late model vehicles every year. Aldon Auto Salvage’s meticulously organized, state-of-the-art storage and inventory system promotes speedy access to its large volume of cars, currently over 5,000 vehicles strong. In 1981, the mantle of general manager was passed on to Allen Carter’s son, Terry, who shepherded the business into the modern age. Terry attributes Aldon Auto’s current success to the lasting relationships it has built with both its customers and employees. “[We] found that by being conciliatory with staff and clients rather than being overly defensive
An aerial view of Aldon Auto Salvage’s sprawling recycling yard in Edmonton, Alberta.
or aggressive, good relationships multiplied and business prospered,” Carter said in an interview for AARDA’s newsletter. “We strive to give our employees the incentive to take pride in their jobs and place of work.” Although Aldon broke away from its humble beginnings long ago, the Carters maintain their trademark quality and service of high-quality, low-cost alternatives for new auto parts. “I feel really good about being in an industry where I don’t have to sell anybody anything they don’t need or want because I have a good product that saves them money, that has low risk,” Carter said. “And that I am a steward of the environment on a daily basis.”
The Front of the Pack
Allwest Auto Parts continues to play a leadership role in the auto-recycling industry. J.C. Wen
Stephen Cox worked his way up through ranks of Allwest Auto Parts to get to where he is now, starting with sales, inventory and some minor dismantling. He’s held the title of general manager at Allwest since 1997. Suffice it to say that Cox understands the company from top to bottom. Working alongside Ed and June Wierma, the owners of the facility, Cox looks forward to the constant and rapid changes occurring in Allwest Auto Parts’ five-acre yard, located at 4416 76th Avenue in downtown Edmonton. “The diversity of this market and how it changes, in general, has always been very energizing,” Cox said. With nearly three decades of history to its name, Allwest Auto Parts continues to adopt more mechanically efficient practices, including closing down its older vehicle dismantling yards to make room for environmentally friendly technologies.
Allwest Auto Parts’ facility in Edmonton, Alberta is constantly adapting to stay ahead of the curve.
Above all else, Cox takes pride in the professional commitment of his staff. “We are very professional,” Cox said. “We are very concerned about the quality and the service we provide. We also like to be the leader within the industry.” Being a leader is nothing new to him. Cox is the serving president of the Alberta Automotive Recyclers and Dismantlers Association. It’s a position that has bolstered Allwest Auto Parts’ role in the auto-recycling community. As for what’s in store for Allwest Auto Parts, Cox is up beat. Their long-term strategy, as Cox puts it, is to “be the best we can be at what we do. Be successful.”
Canadian Auto Recyclers 2010