Photos by/par Sarah Perkins
Having been in the automotive recycling industry for 85 years, the team of Woodbeck Auto Parts knows more than a little about the sense of dedication and endurance required to achieve success in an ever-changing field.
PAST PROGRESS
First founded by Burton Woodbeck in 1939, the business has weathered its fair share of trials, evolving trends, technology and tribulations, but, as current owner Greg Woodbeck notes, the company continues to look forward to a future that will hopefully extend for many decades to come.
When looking at the long history of Woodbeck Auto Parts, the automotive recycling business first began as Stirling Auto Wreckers. Burton—Greg Woodbeck’s grandfather—had been collecting vehicles left at the family Service Center. Here, he realized that there was an opportunity in salvaging the saleable parts from these vehicles.
Located at the time in the heart of Stirling, Ontario, as the business grew, Burton’s eldest son, Ron Woodbeck, developed an interest in the possibility of automotive recycling and the future opportunities within the industry. Motivated by his father, Ron purchased the business in 1964, moving it to its current location at 87 Woodbeck Rd in 1968. With this transition, the business also adopted its current identity as Woodbeck Auto Parts.
In 1978, the business shifted hands to Bruce Woodbeck who worked alongside his brother for a number of years before moving into a leadership position. “Bruce advanced the business tremendously from his onset,” noted Greg. “Bruce aligned Woodbeck Auto Parts with associations and changed the business focus to late model auto recycling.”
In this regard, always aiming to be at the forefront of industry trends, in 1988, the business also worked on being an early adopter of computerization, installing computers and software designed to facilitate parts inventories. And, in preparing for the work of both future technologies and future generations, in 1999, Greg Woodbeck joined the company full-time with the intention of embracing modernization.
“When I joined the business officially,” Greg told Canadian Auto Recyclers, “I still had a lot to learn and so I also joined automotive recycling peer management groups to educate myself on practices that would help Woodbeck Auto Parts continue to grow.”
As a result, through the hard work of three generations, today, the business continues to advance by embracing technological improvements and through community connections, such as through organizations like Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA).
CONTINUING TO THRIVE AT 85
Alongside a rich history, Woodbeck Auto Parts has also experienced a diverse set of opportunities and challenges in its 85 years in business. When asked what has been the business’ biggest achievement in its lifetime, Greg stressed that it all comes down to the hard work of the Woodbeck team. “We are very proud to have been in the business for 85 years. The largest contributor to that success has been our employees over the years. We have been very fortunate to have numerous long-term employees who stay on and continue to grow.”
Comparatively, when asked what has been the business’ biggest challenge, Greg was quick to note how much the industry has changed over the years. “The largest challenge over 85 years has definitely been the constant change in the automotive industry. There has always been and continues to be vehicle advancements. Burton started with derelict vehicles from the 1920s. Today, the world is abuzz with electric vehicles. Much has changed for Woodbeck Auto Parts and that constant change does not come without its challenges.”
Finally, when looking towards the business’ next few years, Greg concluded that even after 85 years, Woodbeck Auto Parts has no plans on slowing down. “Woodbeck Auto Parts’ motto has been ‘supplying only the finest recycled auto parts, guaranteed,’ and we strive to achieve that with every transaction. With that overall goal in mind, we feel that is our way to grow. My wife and I have two children who are not yet in a position to know whether they will join the company at this time. However, this doesn’t change anything as future goals are to continue to grow the company so that there will be an opportunity for whoever carries on Woodbeck Auto Parts.”
