Recyclers conduct ribbon cutting

The Automotive Recyclers Association recently conducted a ribbon cutting for its new headquarters building with the assistance of local officials.

The 66-year-old organization, which purchased a two-story building at 9113 Church St. in Old Town Manassas, represents more than 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the U.S. and other countries.

It promotes the efficient removal and reuse of automotive parts and proper recycling of inoperable vehicles.

"This ribbon-cutting ceremony signifies a new era for our Association," said Executive Vice

President Michael E. Wilson. "Not only do we have a new home for the operations of this vital association, we have also achieved more mainstream acceptance and awareness for the automotive recycling industry in the past year. The attention that the industry received during the Cash for Clunkers was unprecedented, and we plan to continue that forward momentum under the leadership of 2010 ARA President Bill Tolpa."

Tolpa was among the many honored guests at the ceremony that also included Manassas Mayor Harry "Hal" Parrish II, who did the ribbon cutting honors, members of the city council, as well as the Historic Manassas Inc. President Creston M. Owens and members of the board and staff.

HMI representatives were consulted when the ARA Executive Committee selected the city as a potential location.

Also at the event was ARA Past President Skip Weller, owner of Weller Auto Parts Inc., who, along with six other past presidents, was an integral part of the purchase of the property. Together, they invested a total of $700,000 in the building, with ARA funding the rest of the purchase price.

Because of their commitment to the association, ARA's operations budget was drastically reduced through the purchase, and in 10 years, when investors are fully re-paid, more funds will be available to dedicate to the advancement of the automotive recycling industry.

ARA has already become an active art of the local business community. The organization subleases a portion of the property.

Recently, they were invited to speak at the Manassas Rotary Club to give a talk about the Cash for Clunkers program.

"Historic Manassas offers us many benefits, including easy access by train or vehicle to Washington D.C.," said Wilson. "This investment by ARA will offer many positive results for years to come."

Since 1943, the Association represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of "green" automotive parts and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and 14 other countries around the world.

Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at 703-369-6707