CINCINNATI, Jan. 4 / -- Auto Body Panels (ABP) today announced a major expansion and the creation of new partnerships with key automotive recycling operations in six new markets across the nation.

This move creates a strategic affiliation between Auto Body Panels, one of the nations' largest importers of automotive aftermarket parts, and leading independent automotive recyclers. 

ABP has launched this growth by opening new warehouses in Charlotte, NC; Chicago, IL; St. Louis, MO; Kansas City, MO; Knoxville, TN; Little Rock, AR, and Fort Worth, TX.

"Auto Body Panels has teamed up with some of the best automotive recycling operations across the nation in order to give body shops and collision repair facilities a choice," explains David Morris, CEO of Auto Body Panels.  He notes that, "This move comes in response to a competitive monopoly put in place by the nation's  largest salvage/aftermarket company.  Now we are giving our customers a 'one stop shop,' and they will be able to order all of their aftermarket parts, and their recycled parts, from the same distribution chain and utilizing the same logistics solutions."

Each of the independent automotive recycling operations selected by ABP as partners also happen to be a member of URG and PRP Absolute.  "This group approached me with the idea to create a new partnership," says David Morris. "ABP was already doing business with each of the automotive recycling facilities involved.  But the idea of opening new distribution facilities and sharing logistics intrigued me, because it created such a good benefit for the end customer -- body shops and collision repair centers.  We decided to respond aggressively, first with six new locations, and more planned nationwide within the next two years."
   
"The United Recycler's Group (URG) is excited to see ABP expand and add distribution locations in partnership with leading automotive recyclers across the nation within the URG membership," says Michelle Alexander, URG's executive director.  "Independent automotive recyclers will now have access to alternative solutions that can allow them to compete for business as though they were at the consolidator level.  ABP's bold expansion and partnership strategy is very good news for our industry."
   
"ABP's new expansion strategy is a huge 'win-win' for the independent automotive recycler and the insurance-driven body shop," says Kent Rothwell. He is the president and majority owner of Weaver Automotive (Carnesville, Georgia), a new ABP partner and national PRP Chairman.  "People in our industry like to have a choice.  The opportunity to partner with ABP gives us ready access to very high quality products at reasonable prices.  Now we can pass these savings on to our customers and give them an alternative."

Auto Body Panels is a family owned business that has been serving the automotive aftermarket industry for over 22 years.  It operates in 16 locations, with daily deliveries to over nine states.  They supply only QS 9000 manufactured products, and are a market leader in the wholesale distribution of aftermarket parts.  As a part of their 'Factory Direct Outlet' program, their aftermarket and OEM lookup software uses Partslink.  Other benefits include an experienced call center, group rates for shipping, and comprehensive training and in field sales support.  For more information,check out their website at www.abpanels.com or call 800-537-2161.