We were delighted to have the opportunity to sit down with ABC Auto Parts owner, Jim Watson. This third-generation business, located at 13741 S. Ashland, has been in Riverdale since 1966.

“I’ve been working here since I was a kid. This was my grandfather’s business, and then my father’s,” remarks Jim who has been the ABC Auto Parts’ proprietor since 1976, “I tell people all the time, I grew up in this town!”

As one of the largest automotive recycling companies in the state of Illinois, ABC Auto Parts has been recognized as an industry leader in automotive recycling. Starting out as a used auto parts yard in 1938, the company has built a reputation for being on of the industry’s best in developing and implementing procedures and systems to disassemble vehicles in an efficient and environmentally responsible way.

ABC Auto Parts includes a state-of-the-art auto service facility, used car sales lot, and retail sales division. Innovation has played a significant role throughout the years from inventory systems to three levels of testing for all parts. The company has established an impeccable quality control system and maintains a customer-centered staff that has been recognized by the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) awarding ABC Auto Parts with its highest honor, the Gold Seal Certification.

Over the years, ABC Auto Parts has actively engaged in community outreach initiatives that have supported residents, community leaders, and emergency personnel of Riverdale and many other communities in the region. Ongoing outreach efforts include the provision of vehicles to the Riverdale Police Department for undercover investigations; the use of vehicles for the Riverdale Fire Department for emergency training exercises; providing a secure site to train police dogs; sponsoring the distribution of holiday gift baskets for area residents; managing and processing vehicles donated through various charitable programs to maximize the net return to the charity; and providing funding for various Special Olympics events amount many other initiatives.

In cooperation with the Riverdale Public Works, ABC Auto Parts has accepted and disposed of automobile batteries, tires, and oil from Village residents. Abandoned and derelict vehicles which have a significant impact on urban blight and residential property values are removed by a cooperative agreement between the Riverdale Police Department and ABC Auto Parts. ABC disposes of these end-of-life vehicles at no cost to the Village.

In addition to being at the forefront of their industry and committed to quality service, ABC Auto Parts makes it a point to hire within the community. “We hire local first,” comments Jim, “We care about the same issues that the residents do. What’s important to them is important to us!”

For more information about ABC Auto Parts, please visit their website at www.abcap.com or call 708/389-1456.

 

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