Copart buys salvage firm Hills

Copart UK has acquired Hills Salvage and Recycling for an undisclosed sum, with plans to scale up its green vehicle parts offering.

Hills Motors is a family-owned business based in Skelmersdale. The company employs some 200 people and was founded by Jeff and Dorothy Hill more than 40 years ago. It is now run by Ian Hill.

Jane Pocock, CEO of Copart UK, said “Hills is noted for developing long term, stable relationships with clients and the culture - resourcefulness, reliability and logistical excellence - is perfectly aligned to the way we do things at Copart.”

She added: “Hills is in a key location between Liverpool and Manchester so it is a great addition to our nationwide network, and comes with its own transporter fleet.”

She explained that it will become the centre of Copart’s green parts offering, using ‘The Green Parts Specialist’ brand, with MD Ian Hills overseeing the group’s ambitious growth plans in this space. All Hills staff will remain with the business following the deal.

“This is an important additional service for insurer and automotive clients,” continued Pocock. “The Green Parts Specialist will be our independent brand in this market, providing a one stop shop for our customers.

“Demand for recycled or green parts is growing as a result of the increased focus on ESG and bottlenecks in the supply chain for new parts.

“Ian and his team are acknowledged experts in this area of business and will lead our broader focus on green parts under ‘The Green Parts Specialist’ brand.”

Hill said: “In our discussions with the Copart team I was impressed with their vision for Hills and the determination to scale our market-leading green parts proposition.

“It’s a perfect combination as Copart have the vehicles and we have the infrastructure and know-how for dismantling.

“I am really excited about the future and the opportunity to scale the business as part of Copart.”

Pocock says that Copart remains open to acquisitions where they make strategic sense for the business.

“Copart is a fast paced, innovative organisation constantly seeking growth, so we are always looking for opportunities,” she concluded.