Automotive Recyclers Association honours Canada’s Steve Fletcher during 81st annual Convention and Trade Show
The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) held its 81st annual Convention and Expo in late October last year, where automotive recyclers from across the globe came together to discuss top trends, best practices, what’s coming down the industry pipeline and more.
Held this year in Reno, Nevada’s Peppermill Peppermill Resort and Casino, the three-day event featured countless opportunities to network with international recyclers; expert advice on tackling top-of-mind industry challenges; panels and programming for all parts of the business; a tour of Tesla’s battery factory and much, much more. Check out the highlights on the following pages.
A global perspective
Steve Fletcher, managing director of the Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) had the opportunity to host a Global Best Practices panel discussion at the recent Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) Convention and Expo.
The panel featured speakers from around the world, including Martijn Traas from Van der Ven Automotive Recycling in the Netherlands; Maximiliano Marques with NH Autopiezas in Argentina and Peter Butler from Affordable Partsworld in New Zealand.
Each panellist took a turn to explain key challenges facing auto recyclers in their country, along with how their business is responding to these challenges.
In the Netherlands, the industry is highly regulated–but businesses who have chosen to invest are doing very, very well, said Traas.
The Argentina industry is suffering from a very draconian government intervention, said Marques. Only 30 used part types are permitted to be resold, and all end-of-life vehicles must be scrapped within 30 days. The export of scrap metal is also banned.
The New Zealand auto recycling sector is very similar to Canada’s, with a thriving industry that is just beginning to capture some of the notable sustainability benefits of modern auto recycling.
Martijn also shared a video of his business demonstrating 98 percent recycling rates on 38,000 vehicles per year.
“This is an amazing business that is beyond world-class,” said Fletcher.
A new rep for Canada
The Board welcomed Dustin Vetere of Dom’s Auto Parts, who will serve as the incoming Canadian board member. It was Vetere’s first experience at the ARA Convention and Expo.
“I was very happy to attend the ARA Convention and Expo for the first time,” said Vetere. “It was my first real experience with the American industry. Coming from a family-owned auto recycler, I have always been familiar with my own yard. Coming here, I’ve had the chance to get to know other people and businesses in the industry throughout Ontario. Now, taking on the role of the Canadian representative on the ARA board, I am stepping into an even larger world.”
He added that he found the event and its programming similar to events by the Ontario Automotive Recyclers Association (OARA).
“It was rewarding to see an American take on the auto recycling convention. In many ways, it was similar to the OARA conventions that we Ontarians know well. We chatted with auto recyclers from across the country, browsed the trade show, and listened to discussion panels–all of this within the opulent walls of the casino resort where the convention was held.
“Seeing Steve Fletcher, who has been a mentor for many of us in the industry, receive his Lifetime Achievement Award was another incredible highlight. When the event came to an end and it was time for food and drink, there were plenty of options. I said many times while there: ‘These Americans know how to do things right!’”
Vetere added that he is eager to represent Canadian recyclers in his new role.
“I was very grateful to have a few familiar faces around me to help navigate this new ground. Thanks to Natalie Miller, Steve Fletcher and my father, Dom. I look forward to fulfilling my role on the board!”
Compelling opportunities and programming
Regarding event programming, Canada got its turn on the mic when Fletcher participated in the Global Auto Recycling Best Practices panel alongside representatives from Argentina, New Zealand and the Netherlands. Fletcher also announced the in-person International Roundtable on Auto Recycling (IRT) set for Nov. 2025 in Liverpool, U.K., as well as the continuation of IRT’s webinar series that brings the global auto recycling industry together.
The event featured 45 panels in total, which were enjoyed by nearly 900 attendees.
Select attendees were also allowed to visit Tesla’s battery factory.
Trade show participants included EV battery recyclers, testers and reusers—addressing a top-of-mind challenge for automotive dismantlers, recyclers and the industry at large. Many exhibitors present at the show are looking to attend the OARA event in Niagara Falls, Ont., next March, said Fletcher.
The incoming exec’s takeaways
The ARA Convention and Expo marked incoming OARA Executive Director Mathieu Dagonas’ first event since the official announcement of his new role. According to Dagonas, the highlights were his participation in the affiliate charter meeting and witnessing firsthand the collaboration the industry offers; listening attentively to government affairs committee meetings; learning about the challenges American recyclers face and sitting in on tech workshops focused on emerging technologies that streamline processes.
“Keynote speaker Amber Kendrick delivered one of the most powerful, yet vulnerable presentations on overcoming complacency as a business owner,” Dagonas told Collision Repair mag. “And seeing our very own Steve Fletcher being celebrated with a Lifetime Achievement award was, of course, a highlight.
“I returned home with a wealth of knowledge that will serve me well in my new role, and profound confidence that the future of automotive recycling—and my place in it—has a bright future,” he added. “Congratulations to the outgoing and new ARA executive members who welcomed me with open arms. I’ll see you in Birmingham, Alabama, next year!”
