Faced with persistent shortages of original parts, Unipièce O.E.M. is innovating once again with an improved solution: since July 1, 2025, collision repair shops in Québec now have access to an expanded search platform, including recycled and similar parts, in addition to O.E.M. parts. This major breakthrough is made possible thanks to an exclusive strategic partnership with LKQ, a North American leader in this field.
28 years of expertise… and a new step taken
Founded in 1997, Unipièce O.E.M. has established itself as a key player in the search for original parts for collision repair shops and Québec insurers. With 28 years of experience, the company is now taking an important step forward with an even more comprehensive service tailored to market realities.
A concrete response to current challenges
The shortage of parts, especially back-ordered parts, remains a critical issue in the industry. Between January and May 2025, Unipièce O.E.M. processed 6,509 requests, of which 3,960 were for missing parts. Thanks to a dedicated team—three research specialists, ten representatives and three delivery people—2,538 parts were delivered, representing a success rate of about 39%. Conscious of this challenge, the company is now aiming for a 60–70% success rate.
An exclusive partnership with LKQ
This strategic shift is based on an exclusive agreement with LKQ, led by Vincent Lacasse, Senior Director of Strategic Sales, and facilitated by Anne Béland, former executive at LKQ and now Director of Sales and Operations Management at Unipièce O.E.M.
This six-month pilot project will test, measure and adjust service to better meet the needs of people working in this field. Each search request will now include the following information:
- Availability and origin of O.E.M. parts
- Delivery times
- Recycled or similar parts options
And most importantly, when a part in short supply is found at LKQ, it is automatically reserved in the name of the bodyman, who can then obtain the insurer’s quick approval to proceed with the repairs.
Save time and provide peace of mind
This innovation represents a paradigm shift for collision repair shops. It allows them to significantly reduce lead times—sometimes up to six months—while ensuring a quality of service that meets the expectations of customers and insurers.
“In the future, we will no longer limit ourselves to the search for original parts only,” says Claude Zalac, President of Unipièce O.E.M. “Our goal is to offer search service 3.0: complete, efficient, and tailor-made for bodymen.”
True to its mission, without compromise
Despite this strategic opening, Unipièce O.E.M. would like to reaffirm its mission: the company will not sell recycled or similar parts. It remains entirely dedicated to the supply of original parts.
“Our role is to facilitate research and optimize cycle time for collision repair shops,” says Zalac. “We remain a 100% O.E.M. partner while integrating a broad and intelligent research approach.”
A forward-looking vision
With a team of ten representative brokers, twelve specialized services and an unwavering commitment to operational efficiency, Unipièce O.E.M. continues to stand out as a leader in the industry. Born of a strategic vision and a spirit of innovation, this new service perfectly illustrates the company’s desire to support collision repair shops in a constantly changing context.
