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United Recyclers Group Comment on Auto Salvage in the Future

8 May 1997

United Recyclers Predict a Change in the Last Frontier; Automotive Salvage Technology and Consolidation Change Another Industry

    BOONVILLE, N.Y., May 8 -- Auto salvage yards are answering
the call to unite and utilize modern technology to meet the rapid changes
within their industry.  Many North American recyclers computerized in the mid
1980's.  The complexities of today's vehicles, governmental regulations and
business environments make it difficult to survive without automation.  This
information gathered from the automation process has great interest and value,
even to the manufacturers of the vehicles.
   The United Recyclers Group (URG), a group of over 200 progressive auto
recyclers with revenues exceeding $400 million, are joining together to
develop a new Recycler's Management Information System (RMIS).  This system
will assist the URG membership in the recycling of 200,000 plus vehicles
annually.  The system will offer modern technologies including digital
imaging, bar coding, the Internet and modern data bases.
    Bill Tolpa, a salvage yard owner and URG manager said, "I am excited about
the prospect of a modern operating system and data base.  Our current system
uses two outdated platforms; mumps and super dos.  It is difficult to find
Mumps programmers and it is extremely difficult to export data onto other
programs for management purposes."  While admitting the changes this new
system will bring about is intimidating, he believes that industry
consolidation is driving the need for change.
    URG membership has developed a strict code of ethics for their operations,
in an effort to improve quality and service.  Utilization ole access would
include other recyclers, insurance companies, collision shops, to name a few.
Insurance companies are using this inventory information to prepare vehicle
repair estimates, resulting in decreased vehicle repair costs.  As costs of
new vehicle replacement parts continue to rise, the information on the salvage
inventories becomes more valuable.  This move toward modern technology and
consolidation will make the salvage inventory information easier to use and
manage for the recyclers and their customers.
    For more information on United Recyclers Group, LLC, call 205-765-0100,
 fax, 205-765-9944 or e-mail  billm@hiwaay.net.

SOURCE  United Recyclers Group, LLC