ATF Professional caught up with Baxenden Car Breakers‘ brothers, John and James Spencer. Since their last feature in October 2021, they have made significant advancements, expanded their operations, and remain committed to optimising efficiency in the vehicle recycling industry.
Advancements and Expansion
Since their initial appearance, John and James have been hard at work enhancing their operations at Baxenden Car Breakers. They have focused on improving the efficiency of their car dismantling processes and increasing the amount of data input to optimise the profitability of each vehicle.
Several changes have been implemented in the yard to facilitate a higher volume of cars. They have introduced more efficient processes to handle a greater number of vehicles effectively. Additionally, they have acquired new machinery and equipment to aid in their operations. Notably, they have incorporated the power hand VRS Doosan machine, which has contributed to streamlining their dismantling procedures. Furthermore, they have installed cantilever car racking, allowing for better organisation and storage of vehicles. The expansion also involved the construction of a new reception area and brand new offices to accommodate their growing staff. And they have increased their storage capacity for parts by implementing additional racking systems and more efficient storage solutions, enabling faster and more efficient retrieval of components.
Commitment to Continuous Improvement
Efficiency continues to hold great importance for the business, especially since it is relatively new. Building efficient processes has been a key focus, particularly due to the challenges of managing a growing workforce, according to the brothers. By establishing streamlined procedures, the management of the business has become significantly easier. While some significant improvements have already been implemented, the pursuit of efficiency remains an ongoing process.
The company acknowledges that efficiency is a vital aspect of its operations and recognises the need for continuous improvement. By maximising efficiency, they are able to optimise their time and resources, allowing them to handle a larger number of cars and enhance their overall productivity. The business is committed to regularly reviewing and refining its processes to further increase efficiency and achieve even better results.
Creating a Following Through Their YouTube Channel
The YouTube channel has been an unexpected success, garnering a following of nearly 13,000 subscribers and over 2 million views in a short period. The Baxenden brothers never anticipated such a large audience but are grateful for the support received. The videos have become an integral part of their yard and have proven to be beneficial in several ways.
First and foremost, the videos serve as a form of advertisement for the business. By demonstrating their expertise, showcasing various vehicles and providing helpful tips and insights, the channel attracts potential customers who may be interested in purchasing or renting vehicles from their yard. This exposure helps generate leads and increases the visibility of their business within the industry.
Moreover, the videos provide an opportunity to connect and network with others in the industry. By sharing their knowledge and experiences, they have had the chance to meet like-minded individuals, establish valuable contacts, and foster collaborations. This networking aspect has opened doors to new opportunities and expanded their professional network.
Additionally, the videos create a sense of familiarity and trust among viewers. By putting a face to the business, potential customers feel more comfortable and confident in dealing with them.
While it is true that creating videos can be time-consuming, the benefits mentioned above outweigh the investment of time and effort. John and James recognise the value of engaging with their audience and believe that the long-term advantages justify the commitment. By consistently producing high-quality content, they aim to continue reaping the rewards that the YouTube channel brings to their yard and business.
Baxenden’s Vision for Growth
As Baxenden looks ahead to the future, the company has set its sights on ambitious goals. Recognising the need for efficient growth, Baxenden has identified specific areas that require prioritisation. The first step towards achieving this vision involves constructing a new facility to accommodate the increased volume of cars. To support this expansion, Baxenden intends to integrate internet connectivity into the building. While remaining discreet about the exact nature of their plans, the company emphasises its dedication to investing substantial resources, both in terms of time and finances, to bring their grand vision to fruition.
Business and Industry Challenges
As the business has continued to grow, one of the biggest challenges for the company has been finding the right staff, providing adequate training, and implementing effective management strategies. Taking on new employees entails a certain level of risk in terms of investing resources and effort to generate additional income. While there have been numerous challenges along the way, the escalating prices of vehicles pose a significant obstacle in the UK vehicle recycling industry at present.
Without specifically naming any entities, the rising prices of vehicles are adversely affecting smaller vehicle recycling yards and breakers. This situation is gradually pushing them out of the competition.
In the coming years, the Baxenden brothers anticipate that only the larger scrap yards will remain viable in the industry. This frustrating aspect highlights the potential consolidation and diminished opportunities for smaller players in the UK vehicle recycling sector.
To find out more about Baxenden Car Breakers, visit www.baxendencarbreakers.com, or you can send an email to scrapcars@baxendencarbreakers.com
