Cochran Auto Parts Case Study

aut parts storage

auto dealer parts storage case study

#1 Cochran Automotive

#1 Cochran Automotive is the leading automotive retailer in Western Pennsylvania, and one of the top private dealer groups in the US. What began as a single Pontiac dealership in 1965 has grown to three locations with 10 showrooms and 13 new vehicle franchises.

In 2011-2012, #1 Cochran undertook a major renovation of their Robinson Township, PA Buick/GMC dealership. The goal was to improve customer convenience, dealership efficiency and appearance. The project included construction of a new showroom, major renovations to their service center and expansion of their lot space and landscaping.

The existing building housed the showroom, parts department and service area. With the new showroom, the parts department could be expanded and additional service bays and services added. To help make room for the new additions within the existing building space, #1 Cochran turned to a vertical storage solution.

The Hanel Lean-Lift was chosen to free up valuable floor space and make parts retrieval faster and more accurate for employees. The Lean-Lift installation was designed as part of the building renovations, allowing it to be incorporated directly into the physical structure of the facility.

The result is a parts department that is bright, inviting place to work. Separate counters are provided to support the retail customer operation and the service department alike. The majority of the parts in inventory are now readily at hand at the touch of a button, eliminating time-consuming climbing stairs, walking rows of shelves, and searching for the correct part.