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Doncaster, UK, 23 July 2026 – Vanaways has visited LKQ SYNETIQ’s Doncaster facility following the recent delivery of a fleet of 11 Renault Master Luton vehicles, funded through sister company Finaways, to gain a closer understanding of the operation behind one of the UK’s leading automotive recycling and distribution businesses.
The visit provided an opportunity to see how the new vehicles are already being integrated into LKQ SYNETIQ’s day-to-day activities, supporting everything from the movement of vehicles and recycled parts through to wider distribution requirements across its national network. It also offered valuable insight into the scale of coordination required across warehouse operations, logistics, and customer delivery functions to maintain the company’s next-day service commitments.
During the visit, the Vanaways team spent time with Richard Barmby, Head of Warehouse and Distribution, who outlined the business’s role in creating greater circularity within the automotive industry. LKQ SYNETIQ receives vehicles that have been damaged in accidents, dismantles them into component parts using data-led processes, and then stores and distributes quality recycled OE parts to body shops and private customers throughout the UK. The business is currently undergoing a significant period of transformation following the formation of the LKQ SYNETIQ joint venture, with investment focused on expanding infrastructure, increasing operational capacity, and growing its parts storage capability by around 50% while maintaining service levels throughout the transition.
This expansion has coincided with a strategic review of the company’s distribution fleet. As existing contract hire agreements came to an end, LKQ SYNETIQ took the opportunity to reassess its vehicle requirements, fleet specification, and long-term procurement strategy. The decision to move towards direct vehicle ownership was driven by the need for greater control over uptime, reliability, and operational suitability in a fast-moving environment where customers increasingly expect deliveries within 24 hours.
The newly supplied Renault Master Lutons have been specified with tail lifts across the entire fleet, a feature that is particularly important given the nature of the products being transported. Unlike businesses that handle standard boxed goods, LKQ SYNETIQ deals with a wide variety of automotive components that can differ significantly in size, shape, and weight. The addition of tail lifts allows drivers to use manual handling equipment more effectively, reduces physical strain during loading and unloading, and helps protect parts during transit by enabling items to be securely packaged and moved safely.
Richard Barmby said:
“Working with Vanaways has been absolutely perfect. They took the time to understand our requirements listened to the requirements that we needed and delivered a top-notch product very, very quickly. It was the speed of what was done, the no-nonsense attitude in terms of understanding what we needed and then coming up with a solution, and right through to the point of delivery the communication has been second to none.”
Operating from multiple sites across the UK, LKQ SYNETIQ connects its network through overnight trunking operations that move parts between locations ready for next-day delivery. In this environment, vehicle reliability is critical not only for ongoing performance but also for maintaining customer trust. The delivery driver and vehicle are often the first physical interaction a customer has with the brand, making presentation, punctuality, and consistency an important part of the overall customer experience.
Reflecting on the procurement process, Richard described the experience with Vanaways as straightforward and collaborative, highlighting the importance of suppliers taking the time to understand the unique requirements of the automotive recycling sector rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach. He noted that the speed of delivery, clear communication, and ability to provide a tailored solution were key factors in the success of the project, and that the vehicles supplied have met, and in some cases exceeded, operational expectations.
“I think it’s really important that any supplier into this business takes time to understand what we do. We are completely unique to a lot of other businesses. We’re not run of the mill, we’re not square box. It is unique, and Vanaways in this instance took the time to understand what it is we were after and supplied the vehicle to meet those demands."
Vanaways Business Development Director, Liam Nicholas, said the project reinforced the importance of understanding a customer’s business beyond the vehicle specification itself. Seeing the Doncaster operation first-hand demonstrated the complexity of LKQ SYNETIQ’s distribution network and the critical role that a reliable, well-specified fleet plays in supporting both customer service and sustainability objectives. He added that Vanaways is proud to have supported the business during this significant phase of growth and transformation and looks forward to continuing to build on the relationship as the business evolves.
Vanaways would like to thank Richard Barmby, Gayle Lock, and the wider LKQ SYNETIQ team for welcoming the team to the Doncaster site and sharing valuable insight into the work being carried out across the business.
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