Investment in training and development is central to Silverlake Automotive Recycling’s [Silverlake] business and people strategy. Strengthening operations in transport and logistics, three team members have undertaken extended driver training and passed the DVSA test to become C+E licenced drivers. Reinforcing quality assurance in recycled, green parts, seven team members from dismantling, parts preparation and imaging have completed and passed the newly launched VRA Parts Grading course.
Silverlake’s 25 recovery trucks are out on the roads every day, collecting vehicles bought by the company via its consumer-focused ‘Scrap My Car’ scheme. Growth in demand for recycled, green parts is driving an increase in the number of vehicles bought by the business for self-service or full service dismantling for parts. Progress in removing lockdown restrictions means more traffic is back on the roads and Silverlake anticipates a steady increase in the number of total loss vehicles collected on behalf of insurer and fleet clients via its membership of the e2e Total Loss Vehicle Management network. With 75% of its drivers now holding C+E licences, Silverlake has increased capacity to service clients by using the spec lifts fitted on all its recovery trucks to tow an additional vehicle. The C+E licence permits the holder to drive a truck over 7.5 tonnes and tow a trailer over 750kg.
Quality assurance is vital to the recycled green part process. A recycled green part has already been used on its donor vehicle and is therefore subject to a degree of wear and tear. The challenge for the industry is categorising that in order to give the buyer confidence. The VRA has set out a methodology for automotive recyclers to accurately and consistently grade vehicle parts on their quality in order to: manage customer expectations, fulfil contractual obligations and comply with consumer law. Silverlake is committed to delivering an exceptional customer experience across every area of the business. Demand for its recycled green parts is growing rapidly and the opportunity to reinforce its related quality assurance processes with the VRA Parts Grading course and build even greater buyer confidence is timely.
Steve Diaper, Operations Manager comments:
“Vehicle volumes are critical to provide the business with a sustainable supply of recycled green parts. Investing in our transport team allows us to use our assets to maximum effect and supports our business growth plans. A truck that can be officially used to collect eight cars rather than seven, because the driver holds the appropriate licence, also helps to reduce C02 emissions. We know that building buyer confidence in recycled green parts comes from ensuring consistency in their quality. The accurate grading of parts is integral to our quality assurance processes so we were delighted to take advantage of the VRA expertise and new training package. We see this training for our dismantlers as a natural extension to our VRA accreditation to the UK Standard for Reclaimed Parts which we received as a business last year. I’m thrilled that ten of our people have acquired news skills and certifications that support their career development, which in turn supports Silverlake in delivering a business efficient, premium quality service to our customers.”
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