Workshops across the UK and Ireland are set to benefit from improved access to specialist electronic repairs following LKQ Europe’s acquisition of ACtronics, which has a location and team in Colchester.
ACtronics is a leading specialist in repairing and remanufacturing automotive electronic components – helping garages fix complex faults without needing to replace parts with expensive new ones.
Through LKQ’s network, these services will become more accessible to more workshops, giving garages another practical option when dealing with increasingly complex vehicle electronics.
ACtronics repairs a wide range of components, including ABS/ESP units, instrument clusters and displays, transmission control units (TCUs), engine control units (ECUs) and body control units (BCUs), as well as specialist components for EVs – parts that are often only available new from the manufacturer.
The process is straightforward: workshops send in the faulty unit, it’s repaired or remanufactured, and returned ready to refit with no need for complex reprogramming. This helps reduce downtime and gives garages a more affordable alternative to full replacement.
By combining ACtronics’ specialist capability with LKQ’s scale and customer network, the aim is to make these repairs easier to access, reduce turnaround times and expand availability.
Kevan Wooden, CEO of LKQ UK and Ireland, said: “As vehicles become more complex and the cost of replacing electronic components continues to rise, remanufacturing and repair are becoming an increasingly important part of the solution.
“Expanding access to specialist electronic repairs gives workshops more flexibility in how they approach a job – whether that’s fitting a new part or repairing an existing one – helping them balance cost, availability and customer needs.
“ACtronics also complements our existing capabilities, including SYNETIQ, LKQ Electriq and our Vege engine range, further strengthening the breadth of our sustainable parts offering. Together, this gives LKQ UK & Ireland an unrivalled proposition while continuing to expand the range of solutions available to our customers.”
Niek Bragt, Managing Director of ACtronics – which is headquartered in the Netherlands – added: “Working with LKQ creates a real opportunity to improve access to specialist electronic repairs for workshops and their customers.
“By combining our repair expertise with LKQ’s scale and network, we can help reduce turnaround times, increase availability – including more parts from stock – and continue expanding our range, including solutions for newer technologies such as EV components.
“Ultimately, this means faster, more efficient, more sustainable and more affordable repair options for the end customer.”
Iwan Schmitz, Managing Director – Remanufacturing at LKQ Europe, said: “ACtronics brings deep capability in a highly specialised and fast-growing area of the aftermarket, strengthening our ability to support customers with more sustainable and cost-effective repair solutions.
“Just as importantly, ACtronics shares our focus on quality, innovation and sustainability. Bringing our capabilities together enhances our remanufacturing proposition and positions us strongly for the future.”
LKQ will work closely with ACtronics as the businesses begin to integrate their capabilities. More information will be shared with customers as services develop across the LKQ network.
