NEW GLASGOW – A local auto salvage company has expanded its business to accommodate new technology for recycling catalytic converters.
The owners of 3-D Auto Parts, are the recent recipients of a $141,000 loan from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency’s business development program to purchase new equipment so it can improve its automotive catalytic processing business.
The company currently recycles catalytic converters and the new equipment will improve efficiency and increase export sales.
“We welcome the assistance being provided through this ACOA investment,” said Gary Vint, general manager of 3-D. “This new equipment will boost our quality control and gives us a competitive edge as we continue to expand into American markets.”
Catalytic converters contain valuable metals, he said. The company has been recycling the precious metal platinum from catalytic converters for more than 30 years, but this new equipment will make the process more efficient.
The typical method of removing the auto catalyst from inside the converter involves shearing the steel or stainless steel shell. The ceramic catalyst is coated in platinum group metals so it is important to collect all of the dust and small pieces that are contained.
“In the past we would cut it open, smash it with a maul, and all the dust would float up into the air,” he said. With the company’s new dust collection system, these precious metals in the coating will be contained.
“If any dust escapes, you are throwing away dollars,” he said, adding they deal with about 35,000 catalytic converters a year and the company expects its stock to increase by 20 per cent with the new system.
3-D Auto Parts currently employs 23 people and expects to hire up to two more people as the business’s recycling program grows.
“This is the cutting edge of recycling,” said Central Nova MP Peter MacKay who announced the ACOA funding on behalf of Minister of State for ACOA Bernard Valcourt. “These materials will be recycled and sold to customers in the United States. This is a service that is not available east of Montreal. This company has found a niche market.”
“Our support will allow 3-D Auto Parts to expand its facility and modernize its equipment, which will allow the company to increase its productivity and expand its exports,” MacKay said. “Projects like this one diversify our economy and help achieve our goal of a competitive Atlantic Canada economy.”
