14 minute read
TaT article
- by Jeff Smit
Mechanical workshops have traditionally never been the prettiest of places but attitudes have certainly changed in recent years, because there are now many workshops where you could literally eat your dinner off the floor.
There are just as many who have paid little attention to the cleanliness and equipment storage in their workshops – if they only knew the potential financial rewards in running a clean workshop, with everything in its place.
There are two very good reasons for running a clean and well-organised workshop – it’s a much nicer place to spend at least a third of your life, and productivity increases substantially if everyone knows where things are. Increased productivity should translate to a healthier cash flow. For many workshops that have been around for a few decades, the hard part might be finding the time and the inspiration to make the changes that might be needed.
Workshops perform much better when staff don’t have to waste time hunting for something they know exists but they can’t remember where it lives, or when it was last used. The frustration this causes is bad for morale and very bad for business.
Imagine the satisfaction for all concerned when the workshop runs like a well-oiled machine and you can find everything you want when you need it.
A well laid out and organised workshop is not only efficient but can have a huge impact on the productivity and satisfaction of staff, and on the perception of the efficiency of the business as seen through the eyes of customers.
Achieving this perfect state won’t be easy, and it will demand a lot of effort, thought and planning.
So where to start?
Begin with the layout. This refers to the placement of machines, workbenches and storage, usually in a confined space but relative to each other. Poor layout forces excessive travelling time between these areas. Extra clutter or disruption from tools in the wrong place will make the situation worse.
Tools should be categorised and kept in designated and clearly outlined locations. Cabinets, chests, and lockers are a good means of storage for groups of tools. Open-shelf displays are good for visibility and even an open wall, fitted with pegboard or slats, can store tools on hooks or in open baskets.
An efficient workshop will have a designated living place for every piece of equipment, every tool and all the stock. Then comes the planning, which means storing tools and spares close to where they are needed. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s amazing how many workshops haven’t figured out how much unnecessary work and time loss they cause by not having things close to the action. For instance, if a certain hoist is used for standard service work, all the standard service tools and equipment must be close to that hoist.
A good start is to go through your workshop, section by section, and assign a permanent location or storage place for everything as you go. Especially target those items that were stored somewhere ‘just for now’ but have never moved since.
It’s a common practice to leave parts, components or tools on a workbench, out in the open where they can be seen, with the theory being that they serve as a constant reminder that something needs to be done. This visual clutter is counterproductive because sooner or later they will become absorbed by an even bigger pile of stuff.
How much more effort is required to put every object in its designated home? Clutter is reduced, workspace is cleared, and productivity improves. There are no downsides to simply being tidy.
Grouping of tools or parts makes it easier to find things when they are needed and has an added advantage of immediately revealing tools and stock, thereby removing the temptation to replace things you can’t find when the tool truck calls.
Once you get the groupings right, organise the storage so that the most frequently used things are at the front of the storage area and at shoulder height. The less frequently used things can be either at the rear, or on a higher or lower location. As much as possible, arrange items so that something else does not have to be moved before you can reach them.
Start with a small section of the workshop and document the position of every piece of equipment as you go. Each cabinet, shelf or wall spot should be identified with a number or letter, with each shelf numbered and every piece of equipment assigned to a set position. Once that’s done, you will have a complete equipment and tool catalogue, and the beginning of a far less frustrating and more productive era.
After your reorganising is done, one very simple rule must apply forever – when you use something, put it back where it belongs. When everyone realises the time and effort they are saving, this simple rule will become habit and once it becomes habit, it is no longer a chore that you have to think about.
At least once a year, I recommend a review of each section in the workshop, almost like a visual stocktake that will reveal storage that is not working.
Workshops which have been established for some time will appreciate a well-planned declutter and restructure.
Diversity is the secret to 36 years in business
Leigh and Liz Holman have seen a lot in their 36 years in business. The couple owns SVS Auto Repairs and Dyno Tuning in Cairns, Queensland. They like to think of it as a “highly diversified automotive service, repair and modification workshop.
“We pride ourselves on not specialising in one small corner of the industry, but we offer broad services,” Leigh said. “It’s always yes at SVS.” And after the year we’ve just seen, Leigh, Liz and the team of seven employees are thankful for their wide offering.
“Our business survived through the Covid-19 pandemic due to our diversity of service, repair, modification improvements, dynotuning and our commitment to our customers,” Leigh said. For the past 11 years, Leigh and Liz have been Capricorn Members. They said they like that it’s tailored to the automotive industry and that the pricing is competitive. Alongside their trade account, they have protection with Capricorn Risk Services and use Capricorn’s equipment finance, fuel card, Capricorn Travel and the Purple Pages.
Leigh said being a Capricorn Member saves time on reconciling accounts and gives his business access to quality suppliers. While 2020 was a challenging year for everyone, Leigh said the automotive industry faces an even bigger challenge.
“The automotive industry is highly underrated and often not respected and, furthermore, our industry is the most costly to keep up with current equipment and knowledge,” he said.
But being a Capricorn Member makes that a little bit easier. What does being a part of Australia’s largest cooperative mean to Leigh and the team? “Security,” he said, “and the feeling that someone has your back.”
Capricorn Preferred Suppliers are an integral part of our cooperative model. We recognise the achievements of our high performing Capricorn Preferred Suppliers through our Million Dollar Preferred Supplier Awards. These awards are presented to Preferred Suppliers who reach million dollar milestones in total Capricorn Member sales. It is great to see Capricorn Preferred Suppliers reaching these outstanding milestones. Congratulations to the following Preferred Suppliers.
AMG Parts
AMG Parts have been suppliers to Capricorn for exactly 2 years and are thrilled with the support from Capricorn’s Members. Recently they have taken on two new franchises, Hyundai and Kia, bringing them to 6 franchises including Toyota, Nissan, BMW and Mini. They have a large range of mechanical and panel items, offer all manufacture pricing incentives for panel parts price matching and trade mechanical pricing.
Daimler Trucks Laverton
Daimler Trucks Laverton/Somerton have been providing Capricorn Members exceptional Customer Service since 2002. Don Hovenden, Ray Musumeci & Jeff Frazier (pictured) carry on the exceptional Customer Experience. Daimler Trucks Laverton moved into their new state of the art facility 4 years ago & have merged Daimler Trucks Somerton into their Business.
First Auto Parts
First Auto Parts have been a Capricorn Preferred Supplier for 24 years. James Philip & his Staff (pictured) have been instrumental in consistently growing their Capricorn Sales during those years.
Multispares VIC/TAS
Multispares have been a National Capricorn Supplier for 20 years. Multispares sell Capricorn Members a Huge Range of Truck, Bus & Trailer Parts. Mathew Cuthbertson (pictured) & his experienced Team of Parts Experts continue their highlevel Customer Service to Capricorn Members.
Classifieds Advertising Guidelines
Do you have a business for sale, have equipment that you need to get rid of, or are you just looking for a part that you haven’t been able to find? If the answer is yes, then you should advertise in the Capricorn Classifieds; it’s FREE to do so. See below for details.
• The Capricorn Classifieds are for Capricorn Members only to advertise. Payment is to be organised between advertiser and purchaser. • Parts or equipment that relate to your business only may be advertised. • Businesses for sale may be advertised. • Cars for sale cannot be advertised. • Classifieds are on a first come, first served basis. Depending on the number received, your classified may not appear immediately. • No positions vacant. • No pictures to be submitted. • By submitting the Online Capricorn Classifieds Ad Form, you acknowledge that the price of any goods or services shown is inclusive of GST.
Shoreline Panel & Paint
Great opportunity for a Panel Beater / Spray painter to purchase a business with clients walking through the door constantly with insurance claims as well as plenty of private work. Small fully equipped workshop to carry out small repairs. Baslac water base paint system diesel fuelled baking oven. $150k. U2/12 Griffin Drive Dunsborough 6281 Call 0413930286.
Harris Best Panelbeaters Business, Marlborough NZ
Expressions of Interest, long established busy panel shop in a prime location. Turn key operation. Wheel Aligner and Hoist. Potential to grow. Price $97K. Call Trevor 0272464108 all reasonable offers considered.
Tin Can Bay Workshop/Mechanic
Want a Sea change? Well established business, with great returning customers. Tyre Bay and 3 Hoists, and fully stocked. Owner retiring due to ill health. Phone 0438 632 951
2WD Dynotech, Rockhampton QLD
With extras, fan, ramps, new computer and more, ready to plug and play $33,695+ neg. - Shipping to be calculated. Photos by request. Contact Rhys - rhys@tsomechanical.com.au or 0402 742 733
Workshop service station, Richmond TAS.
Well established independent service station with mechanics workshop long lease offered, Good strong customer base with huge potential, owner retiring. Call 0408906076
Automotive Mechanical & Suspension Business, Myaree WA.
Established 1974, huge client base, excellent reputation, 3 units on long lease, 4 hoists incl wheel aligning hoist, all equipment & stock, office manager & mechanic happy to stay if required. Contact Graeme 08 9330 3231 or graeme@g-mac.com.au
Automotive workshop, Tauranga CBD, NZ
Since 2011. WoF AVIC. Spacious. 2 hoists, tyre machine, balancer etc. courtesy car,. reasonable rent, good lease/landlord. good returns and potential to increase turnover, inquire today $200,000. Andrew 022 6469334
Automotive Repair Workshop, Sunshine Coast QLD
3 hoists and lot of equipment, high profile frontage. Long Established family run business, large client base. Come and enjoy the Sunny Lifestyle so the Owner can retire. $134,000 WIWO. Call Richard 07 5493 6000
Mechanical Workshop, Melbourne VIC
Established in 1962 with current owner for 12yrs, located in Bayside, mechanical service & sales, very prominent loc. Owner retiring. Ph: 0411 460 460
Siemens Exhaust Tube Bender - Rapid make press type 1¼in to 2½in. Tooling has had minimal use. $6,500. Press Hydraulic 35 ton Manual plus air over hydraulic operation. $1,500.Suspension Spring Compressor - Hydraulic operation automotive. $500. Call Denise 07 5520 2755
Truck Wheel Alignment & Mechanical Brisbane North
Trading for over 46 years this fully quip 725 m² workshop situated in a high exposure position on Brisbane North. Full mechanical & wheel alignment for cars 4WD trucks buses & trailers $342,000 + SAV. Ph.0450 484 008
Premier Automotive Repairs business,
Berry NSW. Established for over 20 years with loyal customers and continuous repeat business. Great location, strong returns, this is an Ideal lifestyle business. Price on Application. Call Steve02 4464 3999 or 0417 251 205.
Mechanical Automotive Workshop, Gladstone QLD
Well established. Owner retiring. Strong customer base. Always busy. Well equipped with plenty of room. $110,000 ONO. Ph: Michael Carr 0401 828 615.
Antique Block Boring machine, circa 1915
“Improved Universal Cylinder Reboring Tool – USA”. In very good condition. Packed in original wooden box with instructions. $1000.00. Contact owner 07 4630 7001
Mechanical Workshop, Port Macquarie NSW. Town is booming and this great earner could be yours! Prime location, large loyal customer base, excellent google reviews. 4 hoists, wheel aligner, injector bench, scan tool etc. Price/ lease negotiable. Call Maca on 0414 850 365
Brake, Mechanical Workshop, Port Lincoln SA
Well Established for 28 years. 5 Bays. 2x Molnar Hoists. Large pit. Fully equipped large block. WIWO. Freehold, equipment & stock. Owner needs to retire. Contact 08 86830779 or 0428113242.
How to Advertise in the Capricorn Classifieds
1. Send an email to ignition@capricorn.coop with the following details: your Member number, business name, contact details and details of your advert (no more than 30 words). 2. Capricorn must receive your classified advert by the 16th of the month preceding the publication month. If we have not received your classified advert by this date it will be published in the following month depending on the number of adverts received. 3. Check out your advert and fellow Members’ classifieds in the next edition of Ignition.
Email: ignition@capricorn.coop
Publisher's General Disclaimer
All information, material and content contained in this edition of Ignition is provided or sourced by Capricorn Society Limited (“Capricorn”) for general information only and is not intended to be advice or comment on any particular matter or subject. Before acting on any information you should consider the relevance of it to your own circumstances and, if necessary, take professional advice. Capricorn makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, completeness or reliability of any material (including, without limitation, any third party supplier advertisement in respect of which Capricorn merely acts as a conduit) included in this edition of Ignition. To the fullest extent permitted by law Capricorn, its officers, employees, agents and representatives disclaim any and all liability to you or any other person for any loss or damage whatsoever connected with: (i) reliance on material in Ignition; or (ii) inaccuracy, error or omission in material in Ignition. Capricorn, Stronger With Capricorn, Ignition, Capricorn Travel, Capricorn Mutual and the boomerangs device are trademarks or registered trademarks of Capricorn. If you have any news or information that you think would be of interest to your fellow members, please send the information to Capricorn via email ignition@capricorn.coop.
Capricorn Society Limited
ACN 008 347 313 Postal Address: Locked Bag 3003, West Perth WA 6872
Registered Office Australia:
28 Troode Street, West Perth WA 6005 Phone (08) 6250 9500 General Enquiries 1800 999 233 Members 1800 327 437 Suppliers 1800 005 322
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