Sunline Inc., a well-known auto salvage company in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, has recently made a strategic move to enhance its operations and better serve its customers seeking quality used car parts. The company has relocated its inventory and operations to the Hawkeye Downs parking lot, paving the way for the sale of its former 40-acre property on Sixth Street SW to Copart, a major insurance auto auction firm. This transition marks a significant step forward for Sunline Inc. car parts, promising improved efficiency and a wider selection for its clientele.
Roger Cassill, the owner of both Hawkeye Downs and Sunline, confirmed the sale of the old Sunline property to Copart, emphasizing the strategic advantage of proximity. Copart, a primary supplier for salvage yards, will establish a major Midwest location on the site. This deal, finalized on October 31st after a year-long process, positions Sunline Inc. car parts closer to a key partner, streamlining their supply chain and potentially offering even more diverse and readily available auto parts.
The Cedar Rapids City Council had earlier approved the rezoning of Hawkeye Downs to accommodate the salvage yard, recognizing the economic benefits and revitalization potential. This rezoning initiative aligns with Hawkeye Downs’ broader efforts to refresh its property and attract more visitors and events to the racetrack and surrounding areas.
Sunline Inc.’s office has now been established at Hawkeye Downs, in the former Bingo Hall. While cars are temporarily situated at the front of the property, plans are underway to move them to the backside, ensuring minimal visual impact from Sixth Street SW. The city Board of Adjustment has approved a conditional use permit for the salvage yard operations at Hawkeye Downs, stipulating that the temporary salvage use be vacated and the land restored by June 1, 2024. This carefully planned relocation ensures that Sunline Inc. can continue to provide its valuable services without disruption.
Streamlined Operations for Better Car Part Availability
Cassill highlighted the evolving nature of the salvage business, noting that Sunline Inc. now requires significantly less land due to improved operational efficiencies. The number of cars stored on-site has drastically reduced from approximately 3,000 to around 600. Sunline Inc. has also consolidated dismantled parts storage within the old Bingo Hall at Hawkeye Downs. This consolidation allows Sunline Inc. car parts to operate more efficiently within a smaller footprint of less than 10 acres, optimizing space and resources.
“The flow is a lot more efficient, the parts are nicer that way,” Cassill stated, emphasizing the positive impact on customer service. “It’s a lot nicer way to service our customers” seeking high-quality used car parts. This streamlined approach translates to faster processing, easier parts retrieval, and ultimately, a better experience for customers looking for Sunline Inc. car parts.
Commitment to Environmental Responsibility in Auto Salvage
Sunline Inc. demonstrates a strong commitment to environmental responsibility within the auto salvage industry. Cassill emphasized that environmental concerns related to salvage yards are often misconceptions. When Copart conducted an extensive environmental review of the former Sunline property, it “passed with flying colors.”
Cassill detailed Sunline’s proactive environmental practices, including never burning tires and responsibly managing tire disposal by sending them to various Iowa locations for grinding and recycling, some of which are repurposed for playground surfaces. Furthermore, Sunline Inc. reclaims oil from vehicles before crushing them, ensuring that this oil is sold for use in industrial oil burners. These practices underscore Sunline Inc.’s dedication to sustainable and environmentally sound operations in the car parts and auto salvage sector.
To further minimize any visual impact and ensure aesthetic integration with the Hawkeye Downs property, Cassill plans to erect a nine-foot-tall steel corrugated fence and implement exterior landscaping on all sides of the new salvage location. A 100-foot buffer zone will also be maintained between public rights-of-way and the site. “The public won’t see any wrecked cars at all” once the fencing is completed, Cassill assured, aiming for completion before winter.
Looking Ahead: Enhanced Car Part Services and Hawkeye Downs Development
Sunline Inc.’s relocation to Hawkeye Downs marks a new chapter for the company and its car parts business. By optimizing operations, embracing environmental responsibility, and strategically positioning themselves near Copart, Sunline Inc. is poised to enhance its services and offerings for customers seeking reliable used car parts. The move also contributes to the revitalization of Hawkeye Downs, with plans underway for new buildings and an expo center on the northeast side of the property, promising further development and community engagement in the area. For those in search of quality “Sunline Inc Car Parts”, this relocation signifies a positive development, promising improved access and service in the Cedar Rapids region.
