
At Tennessee Auto Salvage & Recycling (TAS), efficiency, reliability, and growth have always been at the core of the business. A recent feature by Volvo Construction Equipment highlights how TAS continues to thrive in Knoxville—and how the right equipment plays a key role in that success.
Founded by Harry Hernandez, TAS has grown from a small operation into a multi-location salvage and recycling business serving both the eastern United States and international markets. After relocating to Knoxville in 2013, Hernandez recognized the opportunity to build a business in a community that offered both quality of life and strong economic potential.
Today, TAS specializes in purchasing and recycling junk vehicles, batteries, and metals like aluminum, steel, brass, and copper. The company also provides high-quality used auto parts—such as engines and transmissions—backed by a 30-day warranty and nationwide shipping.
A major factor in TAS’s continued growth is its ability to process large volumes of material efficiently. The Knoxville operation alone handles approximately 4,500 tons of material each month. From dismantling vehicles to separating valuable materials for resale and recycling, every step requires speed, precision, and dependable machinery.
That’s where Volvo Construction Equipment comes in.
Since the early days of the Knoxville operation, TAS has relied on Volvo wheel loaders and excavators to keep operations running smoothly. Starting with an older L70B model, the company has expanded its fleet to include machines like the L90G and L90H loaders, along with EC160EL excavators.
According to Hernandez, Volvo equipment stands out for its durability, ease of maintenance, and operator comfort. With minimal downtime and strong dealer support from Ascendum Machinery in Knoxville, TAS is able to keep productivity high and avoid costly interruptions.
In an industry where time truly is money, fast service and reliable equipment make all the difference.
Across its multiple locations, TAS now operates several Volvo machines that help streamline operations—from quickly pulling engines to efficiently moving scrap materials across the yard. This investment in the right tools has directly contributed to the company’s strong performance and continued expansion.
As TAS looks ahead, its focus remains the same: delivering quality recycled parts, maximizing operational efficiency, and serving customers across the U.S. and beyond.
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