Inventory management drives Aldon Auto

Nestled between Elk Island National Park and the sprawling industrial development of the North Saskatchewan River valley, Aldon Auto occupies 99 acres adjacent to the town of Lamont.

Within an hour’s drive of Edmonton, Aldon Auto offers a service and installation shop combined with the benefits of a massive inventory.

A family operation, Aldon Auto was founded in 1971 with partners Allen, Donna, and Ian Carter. Allen’s son Terry joined the partnership in 1981. A staff of 12 includes five licenced technicians, two apprentice techs, three journeyman parts people and a warehouse person.

Aldon Auto has 24,500 sq. ft. of warehouse space with an additional 4,500 sq. ft. expansion underway. They have a 5,000-vehicle inventory ranging from 1949 to 2005. Counter service for parts combines with limited walk-in service for some items.

Aldon Auto also has a recycled farm equipment division called All Tractor Parts. With an inventory of some 800 salvage units, All Tractor Parts offers used parts for tractors, combines, seeding, tillage and haying equipment.

Aldon Auto’s rural location, not too far from the city, helps minimize labour costs related to processing inventory.

Towing of vehicles purchased from salvage pools is sublet to contractors who strive to minimize damage.

New arrivals are sorted in a 1.5 acre staging area where they are numbered and prioritized. Varying degrees of testing, inspection and dismantling is involved depending on the make and model. Fluids are drained and components accurately inventoried before the vehicles are moved to a secure lot.

Careful transport allows them to store body parts on vehicles with less damage than racking. This saves on labour costs.

Aldon Auto concentrates on purchasing vehicles with relatively low odometer readings. This helps keep warranty claims to a minimum.

Originally their rural location was seen as a challenge. But over the years road and transportation networks have improved. Courier service and quality independent contractors now play a major role. Thanks to their location they have the space to inventory vintage vehicles as well as a range of modern cars, light trucks and farm equipment.

Aldon Auto is fortunate to enjoy peace on the zoning and land-use front. In an effort to keep it that way they have acquired some 490 surrounding acres. A 70-head herd of guard bison in the pasture next to the yard helps keep the coyotes at bay.