Danford Lake, Quebec — Danford Lake, Que.’s own Gary Johnson has been appointed to the board of representatives for the Association des recycleurs de pièces d’autos et de camions (ARPAC), to represent the province alongside Recycleur Duverynay’s Pierre Robitaille.
Johnson is the second-generation owner of Johnson Auto Wreckers Plus, where his family has served the Outaouais region since 1988.
After years dealing largely in mechanical repair work, Johnson Auto Wreckers Plus made the decision to join ARPAC, Automotive Recyclers of Canada (ARC) and the U.S.’s Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) in 2018, marking a strong pivot toward a more recycling-focused business, and now boasting four tow trucks and fleet of parts delivery vehicles.
“Belonging to industry associations like ARPAC, ARC and ARA have really helped our business. We wouldn’t be where we are without their information, representations and contacts,” said Johnson.
“After a call from Stephane Gravel of Pieces d’auto Gravel saying he was going to nominate me for the ARC position, I was nervous but also very excited to join the national association at the Board level. I think it was the next step for me. I have been wanting to get more involved in the industry for the past year or more and wasn’t sure where or how to get there. I want to be able to help make the industry the best it can be and hopefully leave something great for my two boys.”
In 2019 and 2021 respectively, the shop also managed to secure a car press and a set of scales for weighing end-of-life vehicles. As of this year, Johnson now has a dedicated trailer for hauling crushed cars as well.
ARC selects two representatives from each of the seven regional recycling associations it is affiliated with.
“We look forward to Gary joining the Board. He is a great example of the young, aggressive recyclers we want on the Board to lead us into the future,” said ARC chairman Dalbert Livingstone.
