Ford Motor Buys Canadian Auto Recycler

Autoparts Report, Nov 15, 2000

Ford of Canada said the acquisition of a major Quebec automotive recycler - Lecavalier Auto Parts - through Ford Motor Co.'s GreenLeafprogram. This acquisition makes Ford Canada's largest auto recycler.

"Being a leader in automotive recycling is part of Ford of Canada's commitment to serving our customers and the environment throughout the entire lifecycle of a vehicle," said Bobbie Gaunt, president and CEO, Ford Motor Co. of Canada, Limited. "Our responsibility to the customer does not end when the vehicle leaves the dealer showroom. From design and production, to service visits and ultimately, the recycling of parts, we offer solutions people can trust."

GreenLeaf, wholly owned by Ford, was formed to compete in the recycling business in the North American market. Ford said this is the company's third purchase of a recycling operation in Canada this year -- in January, Ford acquired Plazek Auto Recycler Ltd. of Caistor Centre, Ont., near Hamilton, and in June, Ford bought Cumberland Auto Parts near Ottawa, Ont.

"We want to ensure that vehicles are recycled with maximum efficiency leaving minimal waste material going to landfills," said Dean Tesser, Ford of Canada's director of ConsumerConnect, the organization that directs the company's growth opportunities. "The recycling of automotive parts and materials is a high-growth opportunity in the industry and Ford is actively pursuing acquisitions as part of the company's new business development strategy."

Lecavalier Auto Parts has two locations. The main facility is located in Ste. Sophie, Que., 22 miles north of Montreal, and the second location is in St. Jean, Que., 25 miles south of Montreal, ford said. These facilities process approximately 11,000 vehicles a year to provide professionally cleaned and thoroughly tested parts to repair/body shops, insurance companies and individual consumers, the company added.