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Auto Recyclers Develop Best Management Practices

11 August 1998

Auto Recyclers Develop Best Management Practices Derived From ISO/QS9000 Standards

    DENVER, Aug. 11 -- United Recyclers Group LLC (URG), today
introduced for it's Partners a BEST MANAGEMENT PRACTICES (BMP) accreditation
program.  URG is a recently formed business coalition of over 360 auto
recyclers throughout North America.  The program, divided into three stages,
URG 6000, URG 7000 and URG 8000, was derived from applicable portions of the
ISO/QS9000 standard and will prepare URG's Partners for that operating
standard.  As customer expectations grow, along with the need for increased
efficiencies, there has been expanding pressure on all auto parts suppliers to
increase quality and service levels.
    URG believes that the new BMP program will help assure customers of the
highest quality URG brand parts and service levels commensurate with customer
expectations.  URG's program focuses on documentation of systems and
procedures and extensive employee training, a first for the auto recycling
industry.
    URG, in partnership with ASA (Actual systems of America) recently
introduced a new computer system; the Pinnacle Auto Recycling Trading System
(PARTS), to replace Partners' dated computer management systems.  Partners
advertise together through a 180 page auto parts locating magazine (Premium
Parts) and the web page for parts locating (http://www.autopartsearch.com). They also
cooperate on warranty claims with URG Coast to Coast Warranties.  This newly
developed URG Accreditation Program builds on these initiatives, seeking to
raise and standardize operating procedures for URG Partners.
    URG Partners will use the authorized BMP logos, designating their degree
of accreditation, to offer customers higher levels of confidence in parts and
service.  The program was designed and will be administered by an independent
consulting firm, Counts Consulting, Austin, TX.  Counts Consulting is one of
only a few consulting firms specializing in auto recyclers.  Robert Counts,
one of the companies' specialists, says, "We were proud to be chosen for this
project.  The proactive actions of URG will keep their Partners at the
forefront of this developing industry.  Their commitment to quality was the
inspiration for the phrase "Quality by Choice Not by Chance."  Ed Lacy, Lacy
Auto Parts, VA, adds, "There is no other way for our Partners to get this
training for their employees, while moving towards the ISO/QS9000 standard."
Lacy Auto Parts is one of only two ICAR Gold certified recyclers in America,
and is an advocate of maximum training.
    URG Partners, the most progressive recyclers in North America, will
continue to improve their operations utilizing URG's standards, leveraging the
synergy of working together.

    Additional info:
    Counts Consulting, Robert Counts 512-339-7671
    Ed Lacy, Lacy Auto Parts, VA 804-275-9134