October celebrates U.S. manufacturing, a $2.9 trillion industry employing 12.9 million workers, with Middle Tennessee adding 135,000 jobs. This month, the Chamber is highlighting our members adding to the industry and prosperity of the Middle Tennessee Region.
Tell us about your business and what others should know about your company.
LKQ Corporation is the leading provider of alternative aftermarket, specialty salvage and recycled auto parts and services to repair and accessorize vehicles, with operations in North America, Europe, and Taiwan. We offer our customers a broad range of quality replacement auto parts including remanufactured engines and transmissions, components, equipment, as well as paint and paint-related products and OE aftermarket parts to repair and accessorize consumer automobiles and trucks, heavy truck, recreational and performance vehicles.
Tell us about the industry in which your company operates.
We operate in the automotive industry, serving collision and mechanical repair businesses, as well as DIY for automotive repair.
What is unique about your company that helps you differentiate yourself?
What truly sets our company apart is our people—our greatest asset and the driving force behind everything we do. We believe that exceptional service starts with a passionate, knowledgeable, and empowered team, and we’ve built our culture around that core belief. Our employees are not just workers; they are trusted partners, problem-solvers, and advocates for our customers, our communities, and the planet.
We are proud to be a value-added distributor of vehicle parts and accessories. Our commitment goes beyond simply supplying parts. We deliver solutions. By offering one of the industry’s most comprehensive, readily available, and competitively priced selections of vehicle parts and service options, we help our customers keep their vehicles running smoothly, affordably, and responsibly. Our product strategy is designed to reduce downtime, improve performance, and maximize cost-efficiency for every customer, whether they’re a professional repair shop or a weekend DIYer.
Sustainability is also at the heart of our differentiation. We are committed to reducing environmental impact across every area of our operations. From sourcing eco-friendly product lines to minimizing packaging waste and improving logistics efficiency, we consistently look for smarter, greener ways to do business. Our goal is to help both our customers and our industry transition toward a more sustainable future—without sacrificing quality or performance.
Why is the Nashville region a good place for your business?
Nashville, Tennessee, is not only where our North American headquarters is located—more recently becoming the home of our global headquarters—it’s also a strategic, cultural, and community-driven choice that aligns perfectly with our business values and long-term goals.
Nashville provides access to a diverse and growing talent pool, fueled by a strong local university system, a vibrant entrepreneurial culture, and an influx of skilled professionals relocating from across the country. This makes it an ideal place to attract and retain top talent across a variety of disciplines—whether it’s supply chain management, customer service, marketing, IT, or leadership. Our people are our most important asset, and Nashville provides the ecosystem to help them thrive.
How does your company ensure a safe, efficient, and positive culture for your workforce?
At LKQ, our name reflects the very principles that guide how we operate as an employer: Leadership, Knowledge, and Quality. These core values are deeply embedded in our culture and play a central role in ensuring a safe, efficient, and positive workplace for every member of our team.
Leadership: Creating a Culture of Safety and Empowerment
We believe that great culture starts with great leadership. At every level of our organization, leaders are expected to model integrity, accountability, and respect—creating an environment where employees feel safe, supported, and empowered to speak up, take initiative, and contribute to continuous improvement.
Safety is not a checklist for us—it’s a mindset, and we are instrumental in fostering that mindset across all operations. Through robust safety protocols, ongoing training, and a proactive approach to risk management, we ensure that every team member has the tools, knowledge, and support they need to work safely and confidently.
Knowledge: Investing in Our People and Processes
A knowledgeable workforce is a confident, capable, and efficient one. That’s why we place a strong emphasis on continuous learning and development. From onboarding and safety certifications to technical skills and leadership training, we invest in programs that help our employees grow both personally and professionally.
Quality: Building a Workplace Where People Take Pride
At LKQ, quality isn’t just about the parts we deliver—it’s about the experience we create for our employees and customers alike. We are committed to maintaining high standards in every aspect of our business, from our facilities and equipment to our processes and policies.
Quality also means doing what’s right—for our people, our customers, and our communities. By embedding ethical practices and sustainability into our daily operations, we give our workforce a larger sense of purpose and responsibility, reinforcing a culture built on trust, respect, and shared success.
In short, LKQ ensures a safe, efficient, and positive culture by leading with purpose, empowering through knowledge, and holding ourselves to the highest standards of quality. These aren’t just words in our name—they are the foundation of how we work and who we are.
Who are your primary customers or users?
Our primary customers are autobody shops, collision centers, garages, auto parts retailers, car dealerships, and the DIY mechanic.
Is your company exploring new technologies, processes, or markets? If so, why are they exploring these opportunities?
Since its inception in 1998, LKQ has acquired and integrated several hundred companies, expanding in terms of global reach and business scope/diversity.
How is your company involved in or giving back to the community?
LKQ has many locations globally, and participates in everything from a local sports, school or non-profit sponsorships, to being globally responsible with national organizations such as CIF (Collision Industry Foundation), Veteran’s associations and the American Heart Association, among many others.
Is there something you would like people to know that has not been asked?
We strive to build strong relationships with our suppliers based on trust and transparency. Our aim is to ensure a reliable and sustainable supply chain, following a holistic approach focused on compliance with laws and regulations and ethical and sustainable business conduct. We integrate Sustainability into our procurement decisions, partnering with our suppliers to reduce our impact on the environment and to have a positive influence on people and local communities in which we operate.