A passion for tinkering with cars is what drew Sean Vains to the world of automotive repair as a teen.
However, it’s the constant innovation and fascination in the world of recycled parts that’s kept the ACM Parts Melbourne Distribution Centre (DC) Manager involved with the company for more than 10 years.
Tinkering away
Sean started his apprenticeship in mechanics after doing work experience in a workshop at 16 years old. Ever since, he’s hopscotched his way across the Aussie car parc, eventually landing a job at DIY Auto Parts at ACM Parts’ former Victoria site in Broadmeadows.
“Initially, the roles I was in previously were with smaller companies,” Sean added.
“When I arrived at ACM, I was looking for an expansion and progression from a career point of view.”
It didn’t take long for Sean’s purview to grow as fast as ACM Parts, with the size and scope of the operation quickly outgrowing DIY Auto Parts, leading to the expansion to a Somerton site.
“One of the things I’ve been really lucky with is the mentors I’ve had at ACM Parts,” Sean said.
“They’ve always been really encouraging to look outside of the box and figure out what the next stage of evolution is, as well as some of the ideas you might want to try.
“It’s never just been about concentrating on getting on with the job, it’s been (about) keeping two or three steps ahead – it’s a really nurturing and encouraging environment.”
What’s next
As Victoria’s DC Manager, Sean handles distribution operations for ACM Parts products across the state, as well as South Australia and Tasmania. ACM Parts annually dismantles about 8,000 vehicles, recovering about 100,000 recycled parts that can be re-used. Not just recycled parts, however – ACM Parts also offers genuine parts such as panels, as well as aftermarket and consumable products.
One thing that amazes Sean everyday he clocks on is just how much can be re-purposed from deregistered cars – something that fascinates him both in the professional sense as well as the 16-year-old work experience kid at heart.
“It’s a genuine interest in the work we do that keeps me invested after all this time,” he said.
“Even on weekends, my son and I will be at car shows, or if there’s a show on about cars I’ll more than likely be watching it. It’s evolved so much that things you’d never think were recyclable products that can be now. From things such as different types of steel to cardboard packaging to reusing plastics you get in some car products.
“We’re constantly evolving with that and we’re looking to environmentally friendly options not only with recycled products but new products.”
Find out more about ACM Parts and its offerings here