About Us

During World War II, like many businesses, Schram Auto Parts shifted gears to support the war effort, selling scrap metals to the U.S. government and temporarily halting operations. After the war, in 1946, Harold Sr. relocated the business to a 7-acre site in Waterford, Michigan, at 2549 Dixie Highway, which remains our home today.

In 1957, Harold Sr. passed the business on to his son, Harold Jr., who was determined to make Schram Auto and Truck Parts one of the most innovative in the nation. He oversaw the construction of several new buildings between 1962 and 1969, including a state-of-the-art 23,000-square-foot warehouse and dismantling facility.

In 1972, with General Motors producing 75% of all cars in the local area, Schram made the strategic decision to focus exclusively on GM parts. This focus lasted for over three decades, helping solidify the business’s reputation as a trusted source of GM recycled parts.

By the early 1980s, the third generation of the Schram family—Ken, Bob, and Tom Schram—took the reins. Together, they continued the family’s dedication to innovation and excellence. Ken and Tom both served in leadership roles in the Automotive Recyclers of Michigan (ARM) and the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA), making them significant figures in the industry’s development.

In 1998, Schram expanded its Waterford facility to a total of 55,000 square feet with multiple dismantling bays and cutting-edge fluid reclamation systems, making it the world’s largest GM-exclusive late-model recycled parts business. A year later, the Schram family acquired Buds Auto Parts in Mason, Michigan, adding another 20-acre site with a robust dismantling and recycling operation. By 2002, the Mason location had grown to 52,000 square feet of warehouse space and six dismantling bays.

In 2005, Schram made the pivotal decision to expand beyond GM parts, offering parts for all makes and models. This diversification enabled Schram to better serve a wider range of customers and stay ahead in a changing industry.

Also in the early 2000s, the fourth generation of the Schram family began taking on leadership roles, bringing fresh ideas and expanding our digital presence and marketing. As the industry evolved, so did Schram. We adopted computerized inventory systems that allow us to access our inventory and that of thousands of other recyclers, improving our ability to meet customer needs. With over 2 dozen delivery trucks and comprehensive shipping services, we now efficiently serve customers locally, nationally, and internationally.

In 2009, we opened our U-Pull & Save Auto Parts yard at the Mason location, where customers can remove parts themselves at discounted prices. This venture has become especially popular during challenging economic times when the do-it-yourself spirit thrives.

In 2015, we expanded our U-Pull & Save operation further by acquiring the former GM Stamping Plant in Pontiac, Michigan, adding 30 more acres and 1,800 vehicles to our inventory.

Schram Auto and Truck Parts remains committed to innovation and growth as we move forward. We’re continually exploring new technologies and strategies to enhance our operations, from expanding our e-commerce platforms to investing in sustainable practices that align with the future of automotive recycling. Our focus is on staying ahead of industry trends while ensuring we continue to provide top-quality service to you, our customers. The next generation of Schram leadership is dedicated to carrying on our legacy while positioning the company for continued success in an ever-evolving market.

We are grateful to our dedicated employees, who are like family, and whose commitment has helped Schram Auto and Truck Parts reach this extraordinary milestone. As we look toward the future, the possibilities are endless. Here’s to the next 100 years!