Collision Repair magazine 14#1, February 2015

HEALTH & SAFETY: ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

CLOSE TOLERANCES

The latest and greatest in measuring.

BY THE NUMBERS

Readers on hiring in 2014, falling oil prices, and government regulations.

PROGRESSIVE

PROCESS

REFINISH ZONE

What does the future hold for auto coatings?

For Dave and Linda Procunier of CSN - Heartland B & B, moving up means moving forward.

PLUS

Rocco Neglia of Economical on sustainability, industry steps up for holiday giving, welding for a new generation, and much, much more!

CRM SIVE: EXCLU TIVE EXECU VISION

Volume 14, Number 1

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February 2015

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$4.95

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One thing lasts longer than our coatings. Our commitment to you. Š2015 PPG Industries, Inc. All rights reserved.

The PPG Logo is a registered trademark, and Bringing innovation to the surface is a trademark of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

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R-MÂŽ automotive finishes provide the perfect blend of durability, color and shine. For nearly a century, R-M has been advancing the science of refinishing, developing innovative, user-friendly and flexible paint systems and support products that redefine value and quality.

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CONTENTS

On The cover 37 Progressive Process Dave and Linda Procunier of CSN - Heartland B & B have forged extensive relationships with dealers.

Volume 14 Issue 1, February 2015

features 28 Surveys and Polls Readers reply on falling oil prices, new hires in 2014, and school Career Days.

40 executive vision Rocco Neglia of Economical on sustainability in collision repair.

43 pinpoint accuracy The latest and greatest in measuring systems, and advances we might see in the future.

Are your techs ready for alternative fuel vehicles?

52

12

46 year of the clear Reviewing the new releases from the major paint brands.

NEWS 08 COLLISION REPAIR 54 Towing & Recovery

Fix Auto Chelmsford refurbs BMW for MakeA-Wish.

57 RECYCLING

departments

14 HEALTH & SAFETY: ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES

CLOSE TOLERANCES

Budds’ Christmas Feast collects toys for tots.

On the Cover: Dave and Linda Procunier of CSN - Heartland B&B. Photography by mike davey.

The latest and greatest in measuring.

BY THE NUMBERS

Readers on hiring in 2014, falling oil prices, and government regulations.

PROGRESSIVE

PROCESS

REFINISH ZONE

What does the future hold for auto coatings?

For Dave and Linda Procunier of CSN - Heartland B & B, moving up means moving forward.

PLUS

Rocco Neglia of Economical on sustainability, industry steps up for holiday giving, welding for a new generation, and much, much more!

YOUR ONLINE SOURCE

Canada’s collision repair information resource.

New articles and top news stories daily.

Visit www.collisionrepairmag.com.

COLLISIONREPAIRMAG.COM

HAVE YOUR SAY. We welcome your comments on anything you see in Collision Repair magazine. Send your feedback to editor@collisionrepairmag.com.

06 Publisher’s page by Darryl Simmons Plan and adapt.

30 Point Blank by Sam Piercey Crystal ball.

32 Prairie view by Tom Bissonnette Change of view.

34 Who’s driving? by Jay Perry Altered approach.

64 Recycling by David Gold Co-operative efforts.

66 Last word by Mike Davey Speak the language.

february 2015 collision Repair 05

publisher’s page

Shapeshifting The key is knowing when to change direction.

PUBLISHER DARRYL SIMMONS (905) 370-0101 publisher@collisionrepairmag.com

By Darryl Simmons

s

ometimes the path you walk takes a dramatic shift away from where you thought you were going, and before you know it you’re off in a completely different direction.

This issue’s cover story focuses on Dave Procunier, co-owner of CSN - Heartland B &B, who was enrolled in Ryerson’s aerospace engineering program before leaving to pursue a career in collision repair. Today, the business he shares with his wife, Linda, is ever-expanding.

As life changes, so do our businesses.

In these pages you’ll also find information on new trends and technologies, like the surge of next generation measuring sys-

Embrace the opportunity for change.

Take the time to set clearly defined goals and targets to determine where you need to invest your time and talents to gain the best results.

F i nanc i a l i ntel l i ge nc e is anot he r critical skill to wield. Understanding the foundation of finances, such as income statements, balance sheets and cash flow helps you contextualize how your business is performing and how t he latest changes you’ve made are working out. This provides a constant amid change.

Understanding the numbers and being able to communicate their relevance to staff loops them in and includes them

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR MIKE DAVEY editor@collisionrepairmag.com ART DIRECTOR DANIELA LUBERTO daniela@collisionrepairmag.com Assistant eDITOR MELISSA HAYES melissa@mediamatters.ca VP Industry Relations & Advertising GLORIA MANN (647) 998-5677 advertising@collisionrepairmag.com director of sales & Marketing ellen Smith (416) 312-7446 ellen@mediamatters.ca Marketing Assistant WILL JACQUES will@mediamatters.ca Graphic designer Candace Taylor candace@mediamatters.ca Intern aleecia Cameron

As life changes, so do our businesses. tems, which are becoming more precise, high-tech and efficient.

It can be uncomfortable to learn and to try new things, but it is infinitely rewarding.

Sometimes the changes affecting your business are self-induced, such as new training programs or processes. Other times, change is external and beyond your control. The shift to aluminum vehicles over the last year demands shops get their employees the proper training, and this shift is happening whether you like it or not.

Being able to adapt and communicate to your employees why a shift or trend is critical is an important skill that must be learned by every manager. Because if you can’t grasp the latest industry movements, how can you expect them to?

Set goals that will stretch you and your team and embrace those moments of revelation to help you build, because doing the same thing all the time and expecting a different result is a clear path to insanity.

in the business’ discussions. Similarly to learning new skills, if staff don’t understand the numbers they can’t work to improve them.

Great leaders and managers realize that to create a truly high performance company, education about the numbers, and ongoing discussions about results, must be part of what they do.

Your staff needs to see a clear picture of the future and what they are working toward.

Try to make sure the goals of the company become the goals of the employee.

This does not guarantee success, but it increases the odds considerably.

After all, how can you move forward if you don’t have a game plan? CRM

06 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

COLUMNISTS & CONTRIBUTORS TOM BISSONNETTE, DAVID GOLD, JAY PERRY, SAM PIERCEY

SUBSCRIPTION One-year $29.95 / Two-year $55.95 Collision Repair™ magazine is published bi-monthly, and is dedicated to serving the business interests of the collision repair industry. It is published by Media Matters Inc. Material in Collision Repair™ magazine may not be reproduced in any form with out written consent from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to refuse any advertising and disclaims all responsibilities for claims or statements made by its advertisers or independent columnists. All facts, opinions, statements appearing in this publication are those of the writers and editors themselves, and are in no way to be construed as statements, positions or endorsements by the publisher.

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We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada through the Canada Periodical Fund of the Department of Canadian Heritage.

CMCA AUDITED

Collision Repair magazine is published by Media Matters Inc., publishers of:

BODYWORX THE VOICE OF COLLISION REPAIR TECHS & PAINTERS

magazine

Trainingmatters.ca

PROFESSIONAL

Air Compressor is So Quiet “ Our and Reliable, I Don’t Even Notice It

”

When we asked William Monteith, General Manager of Zenetec Collision Repair Centre, a 22,000 Sq. Ft. State-of-the-Art Facility in Barrie, Ontario what he thought about his DV Systems air compressor, he paused for a moment then said it’s so quiet, reliable and efficient that he doesn’t even think about it. He’s able to focus on what matters the most, his family-owned business.

DVCOMPRESSORS.COM

Built Better

the front end

People on the move Boyd Group has appointed Narendra “Pat” Pathipati as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.

Pathipati succeeds Dan Dott, who will remain with Boyd as Senior Vice President Finance Narendra for a one year tranPathipati. sition period.

Pathipati was recruited through an extensive executive search process conducted in Canada and the US. He brings 30 years of experience in finance, strategy, corporate development and operations to Boyd, having served in senior executive roles in the auto, capital goods, construction, e-commerce, and steel industries.

Most recently, he was the Executive Vice President & Chief Financial Officer of Teichert.

Arslan AutomoJason tive Canada has Gray. announced the appointment of Jason Gray as the company’s representative for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

“Jason has completed full training on the Arslan Aluminum Program and is well equipped to handle all queries regarding getting your shop aluminum repair ready,” says Arman Gurarslan, President of Arslan Automotive Canada.

Gray can be reached at 204-960-9392 or via email to GraySales@shaw.ca.

Guy Barbeau, Vice President of Sales for Fix Auto Canada has announced the addition of Jeff Keddie as National Director, Performance & Optimization.

Jeff K e d d i e ’s m a n Keddie. date in this new national role is to lead the development and execution of Fix Auto’s national performance groups, bringing a data-driven approach and

strategic advice to help Fix Auto owner/ operators leverage data and best practices, to achieve even greater success.

Keddie brings over 17 years’ experience working with small and large organizations, including seven years in the auto collision industry, initially with CARSTAR Canada and most recently as a consultant. Keddie studied at Mount Allison University and also holds an MBA with a specialization in Management Consulting from Royal Roads University.

Fix Auto Canada has also named Michel Barrette.

Michel Barrette as new Director of Sales for Quebec.

Barrette brings over 20 years of industry experience to the role, including acting as Director of Business Development at Audatex where he was responsible for establishing and maintaining relationships with major Quebec insurers.

In his new position, Barrette will take on the tasks of preserving and expanding Fix Auto’s relationships with insurers in the province, while working to provide a seamless customer experience through the company’s customer focus and claims handling process.

Quest Automotive Products (QAP) has announced their new Director of Product & Color Management, Hermon Ferrell.

Hermon With over 26 Ferrell. years of industry experience, Ferrell has taken on a number of senior leadership roles throughout his career in the industry, including working as Senior Product Marketing Manager at coatings company Sherwin-Williams. His extensive background in the field provided Ferrell the opportunity to oversee colour management, colour development, all aspects of product management, and new strategic business developments at QAP.com.

08 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

What kind of formal training do you have?

Huh?

Okay, what experience do you have?

Nuthin’. It’s just bangin’ out dents, right?

Thanks for your time.

We’ll get back to you if we ever decide to lower our expectations.

GET CONNECTED! Follow Collision Repair magazine at... facebook.com/collisionrepairmag

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news

Fix Auto Chelmsford refurbishes BMW for Make-A-Wish Most people would be upset if someone had their car for over two months and wouldn’t even tell them where it was. In this case, though, the owner wasn’t just happy, but ecstatic.

Denis Faubert, the vehicle’s owner, got the birthday surprise of a lifetime recently when his wish for a car makeover was granted

by Make-A-Wish Eastern Ontario, Fix Auto Chelmsford, and numerous suppliers who stepped up to donate products and parts.

The official reveal took place on December 13 at Fix Auto Chelmsford. Faubert, who suffers from a pancreatic disorder, saw his wish come to life after a birthday dinner with his family.

“There were eight or nine things on his car that he wanted done,” says Tony Scarrow, owner/operator of Fix Auto Chelmsford.

“Make-A-Wish said ‘you can have three.’

We looked at the budget, and looked at the list, and realized the budget wouldn’t stretch very far.”

However, everywhere he turned, Scarrow found people who wanted to help.

“He wanted a carbon fibre hood, so I called my supplier for stickers and decals, and he donated a carbon fibre wrap for the hood and roof. He wanted new windshield tint, so we called one of our windshield guys, and he donated the tint, removal of the old glass, and installation of the new glass. The headliner was old and ripped and needed to be replaced. We checked around, but we couldn’t find a used one. We called a local guy again, and he said he could re-cover it. I mentioned that we were doing it for Make-A-Wish, and he stepped up to donate as well.”

The list of donations goes on. NAPA Auto Parts kicked in with a starter, an alternator, a new hood, and supplied sandpaper, while

Tony Scarrow of Fix Auto Chelmsford with the refurbished BMW.

Axalta supplied paint free of charge. Scarrow estimates that a large percentage of the materials and parts that went into the vehicle were donated.

Faubert’s vehicle is a BMW, meaning even aftermarket parts aren’t cheap, and used parts are fairly rare.

“We needed some interior trim panels, and there was nobody in the Sudbury area who even had a BMW in their yard,” says Scarrow. “I got the number for Corey Auto Wreckers in London, and asked if they had it. We had never been in touch with them ever before, but when when we said what we were doing, they also stepped up and donated the panels. That was probably the most surprising donation of all.”

In total, Scarrow says that about 250 hours worth of labour went into reburbishing Faubert’s BMW. The work done included new aftermarket bumpers, side skirts, new head and tail lights, rims, a new stereo, and a spoiler as a last minute addition.

12 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

“Guys in the shop donated their own time, on weekends and late nights, to make sure this came together,” says Scarrow. “I was back on the bench myself for the first time in 10 years. The entire project was a group effort, and I’m very proud of the way our staff came together on this.”

Fix Auto Chelmsford would like to thank all of the people and companies who helped with this project: • • • • • • • •

Napa Auto Parts Axalta G-Tech Vision Auto Glass Witrak Auto Specialties R&L Upholstery Corey Auto Recyclers Yves Tourigny

For more information on Fix Auto Chelmsford, please visit fixauto.com/chelmsford/ index.sn.

Driving coating technology into the future.

At DeBeer, color is at the heart of everything we do. It’s what inspired us to create our advanced line of automotive coatings, and what motivates us to keep moving color technology forward. Like the bear on our label, DeBeer is always moving ahead so we can offer you the ultimate in automotive coatings.

Where value meets technology. de-beer.com

P.O. Box 1461 Minneapolis, MN 55440 PH: 1.800.845.2500 refinishinfo@valspar.com valsparauto.com

news

Budds’ Christmas Feast collects Toys for Tots

Jay and Barry Singer of Discount Car & Truck Rentals, Larry Jefferies of CARSTAR, and Sam Piercey of Budds’ Collision Services. The annual event brings together stakeholders from all parts of the collision industry.

The Christmas lunch at Budds’ Collision Services in Oakville, Ont., is an annual industry tradition, drawing together stakeholders from all parts of the local auto claims economy. It’s always a good time and a chance to renew contact with peers.

In addition to great food and great company, the event provides a benefit for the local community. Attendees are asked to bring an unwrapped toy with them to the event. The collected toys are then donated to Toys for Tots, a program run by the Halton Regional Police.

CARSTAR, Quality Assured team up in BC CARSTAR Automotive has joined forces with Quality Assured Collision & Glass in a multi-store franchise agreement.

The new partnership will provide CARSTAR with an expanded presence in the BC market, with all 10 independently owned and operated Quality Assured locations joining the company’s seven existing locations in the province—located in 100 Mile House, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Courtenay, Duncan, Mission and Walnut Grove. CARSTAR currently owns over 200 stores in the country, with the growing tally of over 20 BC-based centres set for the New Year.

“We are honoured to partner with the Quality Assured group,” says CARSTAR Executive Vice President Lisa Mercanti-Ladd.

“They operate as best in class and have a long-standing reputation for being focused on servicing their customers and insurance partners with excellence. These qualities are important to us when looking for partners; upon meeting their owners it was crystal clear that there was a great fit between both organizations.”

Store listings will be modified to CARSTAR Quality Assured, followed by their business name. CARSTAR Quality Assured locations are set for Armstrong, Vancouver, Ladysmith, Prince George, Mission, Campbell River, Cranbrook, Kimberley, Langley and Parksville. Quality Assured locations have begun to progress through CARSTAR’s conversion action plan, which includes integrating the CARSTAR brand within their existing businesses.

“Our members are excited about this partnership with CARSTAR,” says Quality Assured President Lonnie LaPlante. “With access to more resources we can strengthen our network and together we can collaborate on key areas of the business. CARSTAR is a progressive organization operating with ethics and integrity, which was important for our organization and this partnership.”

For more information on CARSTAR, please visit CARSTAR.ca. For more information on Quality Assured, please visit QACollision.ca.

Boyd Group acquires Craftmaster locations William Monteith of CSN - Zenetec Collision, Marty Reddick of Supreme Collision, and Jeff Murphy of PPG.

Harry Dhanjal of BASF and Sandy Liguori of TADA.

Kelvin Campbell of CSN Chapman Auto Body.

14 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

The Boyd Group has added six new locations in Florida.

Boyd Group is North America’s largest multi-shop operator in terms of number of locations. The company is headquartered in Winnipeg.

Boyd Group has announced that a wholly owned subsidiary of The Boyd Group (US) has acquired the assets of Craftmaster Auto Body Group, effective January 2, 2015.

With the acquisition of the six Craftmaster shops, Boyd’s Florida operations have grown to 50 locations, and all will operate under the trade name of Gerber Collision & Glass once Craftmaster has been rebranded. In total, Boyd will operate 323 collision repair locations across 17 states and five provinces.

The total purchase price consideration of approximately US $7.4 million, subject to post closing adjustments, will be funded through a combination of seller financing and cash.

This purchase price reflects a valuation multiple that is within the range of other recent multi-location acquisitions completed by Boyd.

A NETWORK IS GOOD… A PARTNERSHIP IS BETTER! Fix Auto is not a distribution network for paint and products, and we’re not just a network with a trademark that puts up signage and calls it a day.

We are a national franchisor with one clear goal: the success of our owner operators. This means actively working with you as our Strategic Partner to protect your territory, increase your market share, reduce your operating costs, and maximize the profitability of your business.

We are a Canadian company with over 22 years of experience supporting and growing a strong national network of Strategic Partners, and our commitment to you is stronger than ever – because at the end of the day, your success is our success.

Now, that’s a true Partnership!

JOIN THE CANADIAN BODY SHOP NETWORK Contact Daryll O’Keefe for more information 416-617-8044 | dokeefe@fixauto.com

FIXAUTO.COM

news

CSN announces new shops in Burnaby and Chilliwack CSN Collision Centres has announced three new locations in British Columbia: CSN – Van Burn Collision and CSN – BC Collisions in Burnaby, and CSN – Westend Autobody in Chilliwack. All three shops were previously part of the Quality Assured Collision Group. There are now 30 CSN Collision Centres in British Columbia, and over 300 across Canada, including Carrossier ProColor facilities in Quebec.

The ownership of CSN – BC Collisions and CSN – Van Burn Collision in Burnaby, BC both jumped at the opportunity to join CSN. “It was all or nothing, and we wanted to make sure that both of our shops were able to join CSN. This is a network of the most prestigious independent collision repair centres in the Canadian collision industry,” says Dale Hinkelman of CSN – Van Burn Collision.

“With CSN we are now being offered aggressive and recognizable national brand coverage in our marketplace. This facilitated our decision to join,” adds Dan Laird of CSN – BC Collision.

Hinkelman and Laird are not only friends, but the current owners and operators of the two Burnaby locations.

CSN’s consolidation of the two former Quality Assured shops didn’t stop there.

CSN has also eagerly welcomed yet another former Quality Assured shop, CSN – Westend Autobody in Chilliwack, BC, to the CSN Collision Centres network.

The newest additions to the CSN Collision Centres network say they are keen on maintaining excellent reputations in their communities.

“We are a family owned business that is a now part of a larger group of shops just like ours. Our local presence is reinforced by the unparalleled national reputation that CSN shops have in all of the different areas throughout Canada. This support will ensure that our customers know that they are in good hands,” says Engelbrecht of CSN – Westend Autobody.

A statement from CSN Collision Centres says its growing presence in the BC market is a proud accomplishment for the network.

Chris Bergeron and Dan Laird at CSN – BC Collision. Laird co-owns the facility with Dale Hinkelman.

“We are determined to create a stronger and more unified group of shops in this region and we will continue to attract shops that share this same vision of a successful and integrated future for collision repair in BC,” says Larry French, CSN’s Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

For more information, please visit csninc.ca.

New mobile sites for Sikkens, Lesonal brands

EVOLUTION THROUGH COLLABORATION

27-29.05.2015 | HILTON ATHENS, GREECE For more information, and to book your place, email Nicola Keady nicola@ibisworldwide.com or phone 00 44 1296 642826

W O R L D

16 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

news

Freedom Road Project’s first beneficiary receives refurbished SUV Partners of the Freedom Road Project have selected the charitable initiative’s first beneficiary—a single Kelowna dad with a daughter battling bone cancer.

Simon Ng, the father of 11-year-old Myranda, diagnosed with osteosarcoma resulting in lower leg amputation, was presented with a refurbished 2010 Limited Edition Ford Explorer, donated gifts and $1,000 worth of insurance at the Craftsman Collision Kelowna shop.

“It was a total surprise,” says Ng, who had been led to the shop by his companion Sandra Chanig, under the pretext of redeeming a coupon. “The car is beautiful, it looks great. I’m still in shock.”

Project partners selected Ng based on the struggles faced by the inadequacy of his 1998 Tercel for the weekly transportation of two adults and four children as well as a full-sized wheelchair to Vancouver’s BC Children’s Hospital for his daughter’s chemo treatments.

“Hearing and reading about so many families and charities in need in the Central

Simon Ng, pictured with companion Sandra Chanig, is the first recipient of the Freedom Road Project.

Okanagan made it hard to keep a dry eye,” says Rick Hatswell, COO of Craftsman Collision—a leading partner in the project, and employer of the technicians and painters who restored the Explorer.

“We hope this will bring some muchneeded Christmas cheer to the Ng family after having such a tough year, and we look forward to working with the same partners on the Freedom Road Project again next year,” he says.

Claims Adjuster Gladys Kosowan of RSA echoed Hatswell’s sentiments.

“We are so proud to participate in this meaningful project which gives us the opportunity to give back to the communities where we live and work,” she says. “It is amazing to see how the Freedom Road Project brings the whole community together and brings happiness to a family in need during the holiday season.”

“Everyone at BCAA wishes Simon and his family many safe journeys, good health and happiness,” adds BCAA Auto Service Centre Kelowna’s General Manager Stu Miller. “Keeping British Columbians safer on the road and giving back to our communities right across the province is an important part of what we do.”

Additional contributing members of the Freedom Road Project include Pro Body Parts, Kelowna Ford Lincoln, Fountain Tire, White & Peters, Tom’s & Merritt Towing, Old Navy, BCAA Claims Team, Michaels, and Loadzatoyz.

Kirmac sells US stores to Service King, will target Canadian expansion Service King has acquired the US-based stores of Kirmac Collision Services. Kirmac locations in Canada are still owned and operated by Kirmac Collision Services. Kirmac is headquartered in Coquitlam, BC. The deal includes 12 locations capable of servicing 2,500 vehicles per month.

With the Kirmac acquisition, Service King now operates 209 collision repair locations in 21 states across the US. Ian McIntosh founded Kirmac Collision Services in British Columbia in 1973 before expanding into Washington state in 2000.

The company expanded across the Puget Sound region over the next 14 years.

“Extending the Kirmac Collision platform and building our business over the past 15 years in Washington has been one

of the most rewarding experiences of my entire business career,” says McIntosh.

Following the acquisition, Kirmac Collision has announced plans to significantly increase its presence throughout BC. Kirmac Collision currently operates 12 collision and autoglass service repair locations throughout the Lower Mainland.

In March 2015, Kirmac Collision will open its 13th location in Maple Kirmac Collision Services Ridge.

“Over the next five years, our goal is to double the size of our BC operations,” says McIntosh. “We believe there is tremendous potential in this market to continue expanding our business around the Lower Mainland and into other regions of the province.”

How to Win in a Changing World Change has been the central theme of the Canadian collision repair industry for the past few years with the very rapid consolidation of repairers and insurers, the release of over 200 new and revised vehicle models, high strength steel and aluminum and active collision avoidance systems. Like it or not we’re going to see more and more change in the months ahead. This change will produce winners and losers.

The winning shop owners in 2015 will share certain traits. They will understand that investing in the shop is essential. It’s the primary responsibility of the owner to embrace change and transmit positive energy and a vision of success to the team. More than equipment or space, investment in the skills and abilities of the team are critical because the team is THE most important factor in business success.

The winners will also be the ones getting connected. To see the future, to know what and who is coming in the door next week, demands an intensive investment in the outside world. Winning shops will connect with local colleges, invest two days working on a Skills Canada event and hire a co-op student or an apprentice. Winning shops will get ready for the new certified collision repair networks and for new technologies by connecting with CCIF. Winning shops will measure their performance against the Canadian industry as a whole by connecting with the CCIF Business Conditions Survey. Many believe that Canada’s collision repair industry leads the world in the development of national level support systems like CCIF, the Skills Program, I-CAR Canada, apprenticeship and AIA Canada. All are geared to your business success.

Finally, success in 2015 and beyond will lean on access to information. As our industry moves so rapidly from a craft operation to a high technology sector, getting repair information, OE standards, insurer methodologies, local business regulations as quickly and effectively as possible, will be more and more important.

Need more information on any of these questions?

Contact me at andrew.shepherd@aiacanada.com.

news

DeVilbiss appoints Saint-Gobain as exclusive aftermarket reps DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing has appointed Saint-Gobain Abrasives to be the exclusive aftermarket sales representative for the company’s spray guns, disposable cups, air control, and accessory lines.

“DeVilbiss is thrilled to be aligned with a well-respected industry leader in the refinishing business,” says Linda Langford, DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing Director

of Sales. “We know the outcome of this agreement will benefit the end-user community in a significant and positive way.

We look forward to teaming our sales effort with Saint-Gobain to provide comprehensive repair solutions for the industry.”

DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing markets under the brand names DeVilbiss, Binks, Ransburg and BGK. For information

about DeVilbiss, please visit autorefinishdevilbiss.com.

Saint-Gobain has more than 16,000 employees and approximately 100 manufacturing facilities in 26 countries. In the US and Canada, Saint-Gobain’s Abrasives business has over 2,200 employees and 11 manufacturing sites. For more information, please visit nortonautomotive.com.

Fix Auto announces new location in Chatham Daryll O’Keefe, General Manager of Fix Auto Ontario, has announced the opening of Fix Auto Chatham.

This is the second Fix Auto location for owner/operators Greg and Sybil Bain. With the success of Fix Auto Ridgetown (since 2009), the Bains recently decided to take over an existing shop, Fenton’s Paint and Auto Collision, and bring it into the Fix Auto network.

“I love helping people and fixing cars, and I’m passionate about customer service,” says Greg. “The collision industry is a natural fit, and Fix Auto gives me the tools for success.”

“Adding network territory coverage is important to Fix Auto, but finding the right Strategic Partners to grow with us is absolutely essential,” says O’Keefe. “The passion for quality work and customer satisfaction at Fix Auto Chatham makes them a great fit with our growing network.”

For more information, visit fixauto.com.

Car-O-Liner approved by Bentley Motor Aftersales Car-O-LIner has announced that Bentley Motors Aftersales has approved the company’s Benchrack frame alignment system, the Car-O-Tronic electronic measuring system, in addition to the EVO anchoring, holding and fixturing system.

Founded over 95 years ago, Bentley is a well-known manufacturer of high-end luxury vehicles. Bentley manufactures automobiles at its facility in Crewes, UK. Snap-on Business Solutions will administer Bentley sales in North America.

For more information on Car-O-Liner, please visit Car-O-Liner.com.

18 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

news

CSN, Make-A-Wish grant Disneyland trips to two children

Nigel was granted a trip to Disneyland, California.

CSN and Make-A-Wish Canada teamed up in 2014 to grant the wishes of two young children hoping to experience Disneyland.

“CSN supports Make-A-Wish Canada because as a corporate citizen we have the responsibility to lend a helping hand to those who need it,” says CSN’s Jenny Trokic.

One of the children, 10-year-old Nigel, wished to be a “roller coaster warrior”—a dream CSN and Make-A-Wish Canada helped make a reality. CSN sponsored Nigel’s wish, sending him and his

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family to Disneyland, California, where he was able to visit a number of different theme parks and roller coasters.

“I chose this wish because I want to see California, it is going to give us [many] great memories and make us very happy,” Nigel said in a CSN release prior to his trip. “I am most happy about the roller coasters because I love roller coasters and they go very high!”

In addition to Disneyland, the family also visited Knott’s Berry Farm—a multi-attraction theme park in Buena Park, California— as well as Six Flags, where Nigel rode as many roller coasters as he could handle.

Nigel wasn’t the only child who had the time of their life at Disney’s themed attractions, as CSN and Make-A-Wish Canada also granted Chloe’s dream of visiting Disneyland in Florida, where she met Mickey Mouse as well as the Disney princesses, taking home all their autographs.

Chloe, her sister Abbey and their parents took in Disney World’s attractions, including the water slides in Orlando-based Aquatica. They were also able to visit Sea World, where they were given the opportunity to feed the sea lions and dolphins.

“We touched the dolphins!” says Chloe. “I was feeding one and a bird took my fish!”

Trokic says supporting the foundation is important to CSN, and helping children is a cause they take very seriously.

“It is our duty to be a part of continual community enhancements by giving less fortunate children the hope and strength for a brighter future,” she says.

For more information on CSN, please visit CSNinc.ca. To learn more about Make-AWish Canada, go to MakeAWish.ca.

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Valspar Automotive has announced multiple OEM paint approvals for its DeBeer WaterBase 900+ Series.

Ford, General Motors and Chrysler have all recently approved global use of the water base series, giving refinishers a new option when completing warranty work.

For more information about Valspar Automotive, please visit ValsparAuto.com.

news

Car-O-Liner names Flat Line exclusive distributor for Ontario Car-O-Liner has announced that Flat Line Sales & Distribution is the exclusive Distributor of Car-O-Liner products in Ontario. Flat Line is headquartered in Markham.

“We are extremely happy to add such a dynamic product to our business. We look forward to providing the same quality and customer service to the Car-OLiner customers that we do with all of our products,” says Matt Gibson, General Manager of Flat Line. “With sales of Car-O-Liner equipment, we have taken the next step in the evolution of our company. We are tremendously The Flat Line team. excited that Car-O-Liner has chosen us to represent sales in Ontario and we are ready to present their quality products to both existing and new customers.”

Doug Bortz, National Sales Manager for Car-O-Liner adds, “When we look for a distributor, we look for partners who share the same

values that we do. Flat Line shows the same commitment to quality and customer care that motivates Car-O-Liner. We look forward to a great partnership with them.”

For more information on Flat Line, please visit flatlinessi.com.

Axalta opens new product development centre Axalta Coating Systems is strengthening its performance testing capability by opening a new product development centre at its facility in Lionville, Pennsylvania. The centre is equipped with a Global Finishing Solutions professional spraybooth and advanced HVAC infrastructure that enables specialists to simulate a variety of North American climate conditions.

The facility is engineered to enable a quick turnaround from product development to launch.

“A more refined prototype helps to eliminate some of the iterative processes in field testing and should ultimately shorten the time to get a finished product to market,” says Burt Palmer, Axalta Product Manager.

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1-866-325-2886 www.autoquip.ca 22 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

CIIA reminds employers to validate apprentices Collision Industry Information Assistance (CIIA) is urging employers to ensure their apprentices hold membership at the Ontario College of Trades.

In a release, the CIIA stated 233 collision repair and auto body apprentices are working in shops across the province without having paid the $60 annual membership fee. As a result, their training agreement was suspended on September 19, and will be cancelled if the outstanding fee is not paid by January 1, 2015.

Following January 1, any apprentices working without a valid signed training agreement will be doing so illegally, with employers subject to investigation and prosecution, including fines and possible charges.

The CIIA is reminding employers that their apprentices must be legally registered, a member of the College, and have paid their member dues to retain their apprentice status. Failure to do so will result in the need for the apprentice and employer to re-register.

Employers may also want to look into missed training opportunities generally offered at no charge to apprentices at community colleges.

For more information, or to ensure an apprentice possesses a valid training agreement, please call the Ontario College of Trades at 1-855-299-0028.

For more information on the CIIA, please visit CIIA.com, or call 1-866-309-4272.

news

Axalta launches colour-focused blog Axalta Coating Systems has launched a new colour-centric blog, Color Block, to help highlight its Automotive Colour of the Year campaign.

The blog will feature posts written by Axalta’s own Nancy Lockhart and Dan Benton as well as other experts from various industries—including fashion, interior design, architecture and cosmetology, among others.

“We are excited to launch Color Block,” says Lockhart, Axalta’s Color Marketing Manager. “This is a great opportunity for Axalta to continue to share our automotive colour expertise and invite experts from an array of fields to discuss the relevance of red in their industries.”

The company’s 2015 colour of the year, Radiant Red, was announced at SEMA 2014 in Las Vegas Nevada. Axalta executives, four-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jeff Gordon, and three-time NASCAR champion crew chief and Velocity’s Americana host Ray Evernham helped reveal the shade, debuting on the No. 24 Axalta Chevrolet SS driven by Gordon.

To read Axalta’s Color Block blog, please visit axalta.ca/coty. For more information on Axalta, go to axalta.ca.

AutoChoice to acquire Miramichi Auto Value AutoChoice Parts & Paints Limited has entered into a share purchase agreement (SPA) with Miramichi Auto Value (MAV), in which it will acquire all outstanding shares.

AutoChoice locations will increase from 17 to 18 as a result of the acquisition, allowing the company to cover all four Atlantic provinces.

“We are delighted to add MAV to the AutoChoice family,” says AutoChoice Vice President Vafa Mirzaagha. “This acquisition enhances our presence in the Moncton-to-Bathurst corridor of New Brunswick, as we currently have locations in both of those cities, as well as Shediac and St. Antoine.”

Mirzaagha says AutoChoice had been eyeing the Miramichi market for some time.

“This bolt-on acquisition presents meaningful growth potential; we are excited to enter this complementary territory,” he says. “By integrating MAV into AutoChoice’s distribution network, we will achieve significant logistical and operational synergies.”

AutoChoice will retain MAV’s four employees, including owner Joseph Luc Michaud and his wife, Angela Cameron.

The expected transaction closing date is December 31, with the agreement remaining subject to customary closing conditions, including satisfactory completion of due diligence.

MAV is located at 730 Newcastle Boulevard in Miramachi, New Brunswick. The building and land is to be purchased by AutoChoice through an agreement made between affiliates of each company.

For more information, please visit autochoice.ca.

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news

Car-O-Liner releases handEye for Android Car-O-Liner has announced the availability of Car-O-Liner handEye for Android, a free software application compatible with the Car-O-Tronic Vision X3 wireless electronic measuring system and software.

Car-O-Liner says handEye is an innovative mobile solution that communicates with the PC via wireless network technology, thereby eliminating the need to move back and forth between the vehicle andcomputer screen. What the software is showing on the PC screen is also visible on your Android Smart Phone, in the palm of your hand, in real time. According to Car-O-Liner,

handEye offers complete control of the measuring process making measuring vehicles faster and easier than ever before.

Download the Android version through Google Play. The app is also available for iOS and may be downloaded from the iTunes/Apple online store.

Chief releases holding equipment designed to upgrade existing frame racks Chief Automotive Technologies has released a new holding system that can be used to upgrade existing frame racks to perform proper repairs on aluminum and high-strength steel vehicles.

Designed to be compatible with almost any frame rack, The Universal Structural Holding (USH) Clamp System works with Chief’s Structural Holding Package to hold damaged vehicles at strategic locations along the body, preventing a shift in placement during the repair process to reduce any further damage.

“Damaged aluminum body panels on modern vehicles often have to be sectioned and replaced, and high-strength steel frames should be carefully anchored before being pulled,” says Richard Perry, OEM & strategic account manager for Chief parent company Vehicle Service Group (VSG). “Although many existing frame racks are not equipped for these tasks, our Universal Structural Holding Clamp System lets shop owners cost-effectively upgrade their existing racks

instead of purchasing a new rack.”

While Chief’s Structural Holding Package released earlier this year was developed with the manufacturer’s frame racks in mind, which feature rectangular mounting holes in their decks, the USH Clamp System makes the Structural Holding Package components useable on racks with any treadway design, including those with non-rectangular holes.

With a nontraditional base that clamps onto the inner and outer edges of the deck’s treadways as opposed to fitting into deck holes, the USH Clamp System has clamping bases available to fit racks with treadways as narrow as 16 inches and as wide as 34 inches. Alternatively, the bases can be mounted using long bolts threaded through the deck holes. Once the bases are in place, the technician can build a secure connection up to each strategic holding point.

Perry says that the system comes with more than 50 components that can be used in combination to secure a vehicle.

The Structural Holding Package includes long and short fixtures, extension tubes, vice clamps, plate attachments among other components to help secure the vehicle at the frame, suspension mounting points or upper rails.

The USH Clamp System-equipped Structural Holding Package (P/N 300021) features a mobile dedicated tool board, sitting atop four rolling castors, with each tool outlined.

For more information on Chief, please visit chiefautomotive.com.

24 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

Snap-on launches new workspace mount system

Snap-on has announced the release of the Handle Mount System (KAMH).

Designed to aid users in keeping workspaces clean, organized and obstruction-free, the system allows workers to set up monitors, keyboards, laptops or tablets wherever they choose, without interfering with the work area.

“Our new KAMH handle mount system is the result of Snap-on working with its customers to give them exactly what they need to be more efficient and productive,” says Jay Serpe, Snapon Product Manager. “These strong, durable extensions give added versatility to Snap-on tool storage units and make it more convenient to use diagnostic and computer equipment in the service bay.”

The KAMH includes a mounting plate, and a vertical and horizontal swivel arm.

Additional features includem mounting plates able to angle the full 90 degree spectrum to create better viewing angles to avoid visual obstructions and the Swivel arm, which can rotate a full 360 degrees and has two horizontal pivots to allow many access angles.

Components made from aircraftgrade machined aluminum with an anodized black coating for a durable finish.

Optional plates (available separately) can be affixed to the arm to attach monitors, laptops, tablets and keyboards.

For more information on Snap-On’s Handle Mount System, please visit snapon.com.

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Rondex Christmas Party benefits Ronald McDonald House Rondex Hamilton location held its annual Christmas Party and Customer Appreciation Night in December, inviting customers from Niagara Falls, Hamilton, Brantford, Burlington, Mississauga, and other areas for an evening of food and drink at the Armenian Community Centre in Stoney Creek, Ontario.

Thoughts of others fill our minds during the holidays, so it should come as no surprise that Rondex and its customers took the evening as an opportunity to work for a good cause.

Rondex asked everyone in attendance to bring an unwrapped toy to donate to Ronald McDonald House, an organization that provides homes near medical facilities for seriously ill children and their families. The most recent event resulted in a donation of 125 brand new toys.

“This is something we’ve done every year,” says Bill Verrall, General Manager of Rondex Hamilton. “It’s something that we and our customers can do to help give back to the community that supports us. Personally, I also think it helps put the Christmas spirit into people, knowing that they’re giving to those in need.”

For more information on Rondex, please visit rondex.ca.

Above: Rondex staff, from left: Ed Fleming, Richard Slater, Bret Greenwood, Bill Verrall, Everett Greenwood, Ron Rice, Ken Moore, Mike Dibiase, and Don Nicholls.

Right: The annual event collected 125 toys for Ronald McDonald House.

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Carrossier ProColor announces new Saint-Nicolas location

Apprentices eligible for interest-free loans The Canada Apprentice Loan allows apprentices to apply for up to $4,000 in interest-free loans per period of technical training at their community college. The money can help pay for tuition, tools, equipment and living expenses, to cover forgone wages, or to help support family.

Apprentices will not have to make payments on their Canada Apprentice Loan until they complete or leave training, and no interest will accumulate until after apprentices completes or leaves the apprenticeship training program.

The program is available in all provinces and territories except Quebec.

More information is available at esdc. g c . c a / e n / s u p p o r t _ a p p re n t i c e s / loans.page.

PierrePhilippe Gosselin and Gaétan Gosselin, owners of Carrossier ProColor St-Niocolas.

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CarrossierProColor has added Services Auto Gosselin to its network of collision centres.

Now operating under the network’s banner as Carrossier ProColor St-Nicolas, the family-owned centre has been specializing in auto body for over a decade.

“We wanted to ensure a bright future for our collision centre which has been around since 1991. The decision to be part of the Carrossier ProColor network was a well-informed one,” says Gaétan Gosselin, who co-owns the business with Pierre-Philippe Gosselin.

“We believe this will have a positive impact on our collision centre image, and bring a stronger level of confidence to our customers,” he adds.

Gaétan says that both owners are looking forward to the benefits of joining the network.

“We are already satisfied with the marketing efforts to promote our collision centre.

Carrossier ProColor is a trustworthy banner ensuring a guarantee of superior quality,” he says. “We are committed to ensuring this level of excellence to all our customers.”

Carrossier ProColor St-Nicolas is located at 1277 Marie-Victorin Road in Saint-Nicolas, Quebec.

For more information on Carrossier ProColor, please visit carrossierprocolor.com.

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february 2015 collision Repair 27 COL_CRM_Feb2015.indd 1

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facts & figures

By the Numbers Readers reply on falling oil prices, new hires in 2014, and school Career Days.

By Mike Davey

I

t’s no secret that the collision repair industry needs a steady stream of new people entering the business. This becomes increasingly important as more and more technicians reach retirement age. Public and secondary schools may offer a good opportunity to recruit, and one of our recent surveys shows that some shop owners are stepping up to attract students to collision repair. Half of survey respondents indicated that they had spoken at a school Career Day or similar event, with 34 percent indicating that they had never done this. A further 8 percent responded that they speak every year, and another 8 percent indicating that they planned to speak for the first time this year.

Any business owner must deal with at least three different levels of regulations: federal, provincial or territorial, and municipal.

The majority (48 percent) of respondents indicated that the majority of regulations they must deal with are at the provincial level, with an additional 15 percent saying it was split between provincial and municipal. However, a whopping 31 percent indicated that they did now know which level affected them the most. Note that this does not mean they don’t know the regulations, they’re just not sure which level impacts them the most.

Again beating the drum for the need for new blood, 50 percent of facility owners surveyed said they had planned to hire before the end of 2014, but could not find qualified staff. Another 30 percent indicated that they had some sort of hiring plans for the end of the year, with just 20 percent of the total saying they did not intend to hire before the end of 2014.

The relatively low price of oil has received frequent coverage of late, with experts pointing to a constellation of factors that are driving prices down after five years of relative stability. It has been noted that higher oil prices typically lead to less driving, therefore driving down the number of collisions. However, a fall in prices does not immediately lead to more driving, especially as many consumers may believe that the lowered prices are only temporary. The majority of shop owners surveyed also believe this, with 67 percent stating that the current price of gas will have no effect on the collision repair industry. However, a 28 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

significant fraction (28 percent) do believe that this will lead to increased driving, thereby leading to increased collisions.

Whether prices are stable at these levels remains to be seen.

In the meantime, at least we’re all enjoying lower prices at the pump. CRM

Have you ever spoken at a school Career Day or similar event?

8%

8%

50% 34%

Yes, but not every year.

Yes, I speak every year.

No.

I haven’t before, but I’m scheduled to speak at an upcoming event.

facts & figures

Which level of government is responsible for the majority of the regulations that impact your business?

Did you plan to hire before the end of 2014?

5% 5%

8% 15%

20%

46%

50%

31%

Provincial/Territorial.

I don’t know.

20%

Split between Provincial/ Territorial and Municipal.

Federal.

Yes, but we can’t find qualified staff.

Yes, we plan to hire production staff.

Yes, we plan to hire office staff.

Yes, we plan to hire both production and office staff.

No.

Oil prices have hit a five year low. What does this mean for the collision repair industry?

5%

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february 2015 collision Repair 29

point blank with piercey

crystalball Raising the Bar on Standards and Professionalism There is a renaissance underway in Ontario — a skilled trades renaissance.

Not only is the number of people entering apprenticeships increasing, but perceptions of the trades are changing too. Long gone are the days when a skilled trades career was deemed a career of last choice.

Today, trades professionals in the automotive industries must keep up-to-date with

Buckle up. We’re in for a bumpy ride.

By Sam Piercey

I

predict that 2015 will be a more expensive year than 2014. That’s probably the most trustworthy and obvious predictions about the future you’re ever going to get.

Just recently, one of our suppliers bumped up their prices by 6 percent.

The fact is that they don’t have any choice but to pass their costs on to us.

I don’t mind that part of it, that’s just

equipment and you might not see a return on the investment. It depends on how much aluminum you’re doing.

You’ll spend money on training, a dedicated repair room or some serious curtains, electrical for welding hookups, and retraining.

Aluminum welding can be dangerous to your health, so you need major ventilation, approved breathing apparatus,

a variety of different technologies, including computer diagnostic systems for automotive service technicians, and paintless dent repair and collision avoidance systems for those in the auto body and collision repair trade. These are all technologies that require robust com-

There is a disconnect between reality and wishful thinking.

puter, analytical and problem-solving skills.

In other words, a career in today’s automotive industry requires each and every single trades professional to use their hands and their head.

The Ontario College of Trades (the College), an industry-driven regulatory body that protects the public interest by regulating and promoting the skilled trades, plays an important role in helping automotive tradespeople reach that level of professionalism by updating training standards.

The College is in the process of making changes to training and curriculum standards that address estimating damage repair, paintless dent repair and advanced electronic safety and convenience systems. It’s all part of the College’s effort to ensure trades professionals receive nothing less than world-class training and certification.

“Ontarians rely on certified trades professionals every day, and those trades professionals deserve to have a professional organization that operates with their interests in mind,” says David Tsubouchi, the College’s CEO and Registrar.

info@collegeoftrades.ca 1.855.299.0028 collegeoftrades.ca

the way business is done. The part I do mind is that we’re having costs passed on to us, but we don’t seem to be able to continue that chain and pass the increased costs of doing business on to the folks buying our services.

Here’s the key to how you can survive. We all know the challenges ahead, but luck is where preparation meets opportunity. Like it or not, we must be prepared for the onslaught of challenges we are going to face in the new year.

There will be higher prices, more complicated procedures, harder training, and it still seems like all of this has not been recognized for its true value by the ones who happen to be paying us.

There is a disconnect here, between reality and wishful thinking. If you make one resolution for this year, make it a point to demonstrate to all our partners the investment we are making as shop owners and let them realize they have to match this investment to make sure our common customer is happy. It is up to all of us to hammer that point home each and every time we get a chance!

On the more complicated repairs front, the OEM is going to a four stage paint process in some brands, and aluminum repairs will cost you large for

etc., and the costs go up again. With all of this, shouldn’t you and your techs be entitled to charge more and make more?

This isn’t a money grab or trying to get rich! It’s the cost of doing business!

There will be no shortcuts or butchery on the aluminum repairs. If you’re dumb enough to try it, it will come back to bite you hard.

We need more money. We need it to buy equipment, train our techs, and attract new ones. I know I’m repeating myself, but it looks like we need to repeat ourselves. We need more money to stay in business and continue to repair cars the right way.

In the meantime, watch your bottom line, and watch your spending. Cut whatever deals you can with your supliers and jobbers, run as lean as you can, and hold on tight.

This will be a bad year for the weak operators and a tight year for the healthy ones. Keep it lean and watch your margins. CRM Sam Piercey is the co-owner of Budds’ Collision Services in Oakville, Ont. He is a long-time Coyote member and sits on many boards and committees. Sam can be reached at sam@ buddscollision.com.

prairie view

changeofview The industry’s future depends on today’s attitudes.

By Tom Bissonnette

C

hange can be either a scary or exciting thing, depending on your attitude. I like to think that if you are a business owner or manager you got there by falling into the ‘change is exciting’ camp.

Presently, our one and only automotive insurance provider (anything over $700) Saskatchewan Government Insurance (SGI) is rolling out some pretty big changes.

For the last 16 months, they have been shifting away from doing appraisal supplements with their own road appraisers, and moving towards allowing collision repair facilities to communicate with them electronically via the internet.

This coming year they are going to introduce a program that allows facilities to qualify to handle collision appraisals from start to finish.

Depending on a collision centre’s performance metrics, they will qualify to handle a significant portion of collision claims completely online, al-

“A new generation in collision repair performance.”

lowing for a streamlining of the repair process.

It should be a win-win for all involved.

Unfortunately, some owners are not happy with the added responsibility and cost that comes with this innovative change of policy by SGI. There are still many facilities in this province that have not made the investment in estimating software, and we only have one version that SGI uses—Mitchell.

In addition, some of these centres are owned by guys who are soon approaching retirement, and they simply don’t have enough young tradespeople coming up who may want to take over their business in the near future. With this in mind, they are reluctant to spend the time and the money to make the shift to SGI’s new model.

I wish I were 30 years younger!

Any good young technician could be—and should be—on the lookout for business ownership opportunities in the province of Saskatchewan.

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32 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

prairie view

The best opportunities exist primarily in the rural areas where there are many good collision repair facilities keeping their eyes peeled for a sharp young entrepreneur.

Now you might live in the city and think small town life isn’t for you, but I am here to tell you that there are many advantages to living in a small town, especially in rural Saskatchewan:

I cannot think of a better time for a young tradesperson to consider going into business for themselves in this province than right now.

Most collision repair facilities are consistently busy and economically the province continues to grow and develop. As our population ages, there will be more and more opportunities to take over facilities in rural areas that have worked to support

any good young technician [should be] on the lookout for business ownership opportunites . . .

• The cost of housing is a fraction of what you would pay in the city.

• There is not a better place to raise a family than in a small town.

• S ome of the best people I know live in small towns.

In addition, many of the smaller towns in Saskatchewan have tremendous access to sporting activities, camping, schools, and provide excellent health care.

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many families for years.

The downsides are slim, and the opporunities plenty.

Remember, change is either scary or exciting; it all depends on your attitude. CRM Tom Bissonnette is the owner/operator of Parr Auto Body, a collision repair facility located in Saskatoon, SK. He can be reached at tom@parrautobody.com.

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february 2015 collision Repair 33

who’s driving?

alteredapproach Improving your business requires rethinking your route.

By Jay Perry

I

t will be well into 2015 by the time you’re reading this. How are you making out in keeping your New Year’s resolutions? My 9-year-old niece recently asked me about my own. When I told her that I didn’t make any, her reply was simply, “You have to.”

This response illustrates how the habit of pledging to do or be better, or make improvements in our lives has become so engrained in our society.

It has become a requisite action with the turning of the calendar—and so has our belief that most of those promises will be broken.

I think it is a good idea to reflect upon the past in order to determine where we could improve our-

This necessitates seeking a different viewpoint from what has become familiar.

So where’s your source of differring viewpoint?

In our illustration concerning the gym-bound out-of-shape individual, a professional trainer might enter the picture. If this isn’t in the budget, they could opt to go with a buddy. Both of these potential aids to the solution of working out are effective because of the outside thinking and discipline brought to the situation through accountability. It shows commitment to the outcome.

In business, if you are looking to improve your performance, what are you seeking in the line of outside thinking?

we’ve seen the problem ... made the plan. now comes the hard part—the execution. selves. Of course, that is just the beginning, or the identification stage.

You zero in on what you want to change but still have yet to design a remedy. Even that can appear simple, like, I am out of shape so I’ll go to the gym every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to get back in shape.

So far we’ve seen the problem, and have made the plan. Now comes the hard part—the execution.

Most people can usually identify a problem. Some of those same people can even come up with a solution that stands a chance of working. Very few can actually implement this solution with the desired success.

There is a scientific fact at play here. Humans tend to overestimate their own ability. There is decades upon decades of research on this phenomenon. It is also one of the main reasons why people are slow to accept help.

This kind of behaviour, coupled with a fear of looking incompetent, is the driving force behind people ignoring realities.

It was Einstein who said, “We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.” In this wisdom, we discover how to approach problems.

34 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

Can that influence augment your thinking, allowing a better chance of success? Would there be an accountability factor involved to help you stay on track?

There are plenty of opportunities for each business professional to avail themselves of these circumstances. Do you value the viewpoint of your accountant, your lawyer, your bank manager, your suppliers, your industry peers or your employees?

What are you participating in that can help broaden your thinking? Do you participate in industry and business community events? Do you read this magazine from cover-to-cover?

My best advice is to use the above to help you in redesigning the performance of your company.

That’s how you’ll stay the one who’s driving, through this year and beyond. Now, that’s a resolution I can get behind. CRM

Jay Perry is the founder and owner of Automotive Business Consultants (ABC), a performance coaching company specializing in the automotive service industry. He can be reached via e-mail at jayperry@a-b-c-inc.com.

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profiles of success Linda and Dave Procunier.

Heart

&

By Mike Davey

Soul Dave and Linda Procunier have built CSN – Heartland B & B by giving it their all.

L

ife can often change course on a moment’s notice. One day you are on a particular path focused on your goals (career or otherwise) and the next day everything looks different.

It is interesting how sometimes it is the smallest things that trigger the most profound insights into our future, our goals, and our desires. One of Dave Procunier’s profound moments of insight struck him when he was in his second year of Aerospace Engineering at Ryerson in Toronto. He was working part-time at a small collision repair facility in Etobicoke at the time to help pay for school.

“I was working on a frame-off restoration, and I ended up working through the entire night,” Procunier recalls. “I remember looking down february 2015 collision Repair 37

profiles of success

Procunier and Endras are in the final stages of planning for a new facility.

and realizing it was already 3 a.m. and I wasn’t even tired.”

Looking back, this seemingly small realization ultimately caused Procunier to make changes that altered the entire trajectory of his career and life.

He decided that he might be happier leaving aerospace and pursuing a career in the automotive field. He left Ryerson and started an apprenticeship at Royal York Auto Collision. Procunier says the experience and the facility’s owner taught him invaluable lessons that he still stays true to and practices to this day.

Management Track

Procunier later left to work in management at Pro chilo Brothers Auto Collision as an estimator. It was his first taste of management.

“My career continued to progress and I went on to become an independent appraiser on the road,” says Procunier.

“It was exciting, but after a few years I wanted to settle down.”

He accepted a position as manager with Woodchester Collision in Mississauga.

He was with the firm for approximately 12 years when the opportunity arose to become an entrepreneur and start his own business.

“I partnered with Oaktown Collision, when we had started the Oaktown location on Main Gate Drive in Mississauga,” says Procunier.

Rapid Change

Things changed rather quickly, when Oaktown soon after had merged with Imperial Collision to form Assured Automotive.

Procunier decided to leave the organization to start another partnership, once again in Mississauga.

“In 2003, when Chris Endras had purchased Mississauga’s Heartland B&B, which was owned and operated by Bill Finan with his family, the concentration was on truck and bus repairs,” says Procunier. “I was brought in and given the newly constructed collision shop a full management, as well soon after offered to partner and purchase 50 percent shares of the partnership with Chris.”

Endras is the Dealer Principal for the Lakeridge Premium AutoPark – located

38 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

on Hwy 401 in the east end of GTA, which owns several high-end marques such as BMW, MINI,Infiniti, Volvo, Lexus,Jaguar and Land Rover, among others.

“Our partnership is an excellent one,” says Procunier. “Chris understands the importance of taking care of his customers through quality repair work, and having a partner on the dealership side works out very well for us.”Procunier also has a partner within the business as well: his wife, Linda.

Solid Relationships

CSN – Heartland B & B is certified for BMW, MINI, and Infiniti, as well as having solid relationships with Volvo Mississauga and the local Subaru dealership, which keeps them very busy.

In fact, it keeps them so busy, that Procunier and Endras are in the final stages of starting to construct a new facility.

The new collision repair centre will be– obviously–located at Lakeridge Premium AutoPark and will total approximately 40,000 sq. ft. The focus of the new facility will be on serving dealers and their

profiles of success Having the right tools is the first step, but it needs to be backed up by solid training.

The interior of CSN - Heartland B&B. Signs help staff easily navigate the facility and keep their work where it belongs.

Increasing technical complexity makes repairs more time consuming.

customers. These services can start before the vehicle even leaves the lot, with upgrades sold by the dealership.

“In addition to dealership repairs, we will have a strong focus on offering dealership after-sales products and services,” says Procunier. “We will provide StoneGuard, window tinting, wheels repair, glass replacements, and even quick repair lanes. The facility will have three dedicated drive-through lanes, where we will performing triage, as the cars enterto quickly and efficiently diagnose the job. It’s all about high-quality customer service.”

Training and Tools

Close and trusted relationships with individual dealers are a necessary component for continued and future success in the collision repair industry.

Procunier notes that design and reparability of vehicles has changed so much, that it has become difficult for a collision repair facility that doesn’t have the right training and tools in place to repair vehicles safely and effectively.

“The percentage of parts replacement has increased dramatically, driven by vehicle design,” says Procunier. “This is affecting everything. For example, take a look at the system that is still in use to figure out rentals. Back in the day, the repair to replace ratio was roughly 50/50.

That was used as an average and is still included in the formula. But now, rather than 50 percent, we’re often up to 90 percent on replacement parts.”

Increased Complexity

The increase in vehicle complexity also drives repair times up.

“Technicians used to make their earnings by speed, producing a 20-hour job in 10 hours,” says Procunier. “However, now it is not uncommon for even very skilled technicians to spend upwards of 18 or 19 hours on a job that was budgeted for 20.”

More complex vehicle designs mean less tolerance when it comes to repair or replacement. Parts may use blended materials. Manufacturer guidelines must be adhered to very strictly for safe repairs.

All of these components take time and a highly skilled workforce.

“We get a lot of cars in here that haven’t been repaired properly the first time around,” says Procunier. “For example, we see ‘repairs’ come in where the job has been welded, while the procedure calls for bonding and riveting.”

Procunier believes the solution is education of the industry, of insurers, and of the public.

“Every manufacturer has their own specific procedures for each vehicle,” says Procunier. “We need to educate the general industry about these procedures, and more importantly, why they must be followed.”

Winning Solutions

Proper repairs are a win-win for all involved parties. In fact, when it comes to auto safety, it could be argued that the “involved parties” are anyone who shares a road with the repaired vehicles.

“All of us repairers, the insurers, and consumers, want the same thing: A safe repair at a fair price.” says Procunier. “We all have that same goal. Working together, I know we can achieve it.” CRM february 2015 collision Repair 39

EXECUTIVE VISION

Sustainability

For Rocco Neglia and Economical Insurance, it’s the key to the future.

E

xecutive Vision focuses on discussions with key players in the auto claims economy and the auto industry, their views on the present industry and their vision for the future. In this issue, our guest is Rocco Neglia of Economical Insurance, one of three North American companies selected as winners of the fifth annual AkzoNobel FIT Sustainability Award.

The award recognizes and honours businesses and organizations that are actively engaged in practices that advance the concepts of sustainability within the collision repair industry.

Collision Repair magazine: Everyone agrees that there are challenges, but what do you see as the three most critical issues facing the collision industry today?

Rocco Neglia: My perspective as an insurer may be different from the shop floor where more immediate concerns of maximizing profits and minimizing expenses may dominate. Nevertheless, I believe these issues are fundamental to the long-term viability and success of the collision repair business: • Sustainability: Creating a sustainable industry is vital. The depth of a repairer’s commitment to sustainable operations and practices will determine if it succeeds in the future and engages in long-term relations with the insurance industry.

• Facility accreditation: Gaining accreditation with the insurance companies is a fundamental step in earning long-term contracts for repair services. It is proof that the repair facility meets the insurance industry’s rigorous standards to be deserving of the business.

• Succession planning: It is essential that owners of collision repair networks and individual repair shops have a succession plan in place for key leadership roles in the business, for finding the people who could fill those roles, and preparing them. If a collision repair facility does not have a succession plan, we simply will not do business with them.

CRM: I noticed you mentioned sustainability first. Does it rank higher in importance?

RN: I believe sustainability is the most

important of the three. By adopting sustainable workflows and processes, it sends a clear message to insurance partners that repairers are on the journey to improving efficiency and profitability and becoming more competitive. Repairers can achieve this by identifying and stripping out waste. It becomes a win for the repairer, employees, the consumer, and ultimately the planet.

CRM: What is sustainability in terms of the collision industry?

RN: In a nutshell, sustainability in the collision repair industry is about extracting more value from fewer resources. It’s about doing business smarter, being more productive and efficient, which reduces costs and increases profitability and capacity. It must be viewed as an investment in a repairer’s long-term competitive advantage.

We support sustainability because it helps the collision repair industry be more respectful of the planet. When workflows and processes are made more efficient, unnecessary costs are removed, performance improves and capacity increases, which aids in stabilizing overall repair costs and enhances the repairer’s profitability. When a repairer is more profitable, investments can be made in people and in the business to keep up with developments in technology.

Increased efficiency and capacity ensures that repairs are made to the highest of standards and that repair delivery dates are honoured, so that policyholders get the

40 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

level of service they expect, including getting their vehicles back on the date they were promised.

Economical recently partnered with AkzoNobel to develop a sustainability assessment tool that allows us to identify collision repair facilities that share our commitment to continuous improvement in their business practices. We have used it to audit more than 400 of our designated repair facilities.

With the tool, we have enriched the criteria we use to identify, evaluate and select preferred vendors that are on their journey for continuous process improvement and are making investments in becoming more efficient, more profitable and having a real solid plan towards sustainability. From a profit standpoint, when a shop strips out waste in its workflow and practices, it becomes more efficient and profitable, ultimately becoming more competitive. From an insurance perspective, when a shop is more efficient and is able to increase its production capacity along with reducing repair cycle times, overall claim costs are reduced.

At Economical, we have adopted AkzoNobel’s concepts of process-centered environments and have improved the efficiency of our claims handling process.

We have harmonized our workflows with the activities of the collision repair shops, which have reduced our touch time in the repair process, allowing us to deploy our resources more efficiently and effectively.

The shops in our accredited collision repair networks are have made great strides

EXECUTIVE VISION

in their journey towards sustainability and continuous process improvement. Today, we trust them to make repair decisions on our behalf and to look after the customer right away. They are accountable for those decisions in our robust re-inspection and audit process. The net effect is a smoother process with shorter cycle times.

CRM: How does an awareness of sustainable business practices help?

RN: Awareness of sustainable business practices help repairers realize how they can strip out waste in their workflows and reduce costs to improve the bottom line.

It helps the industry be more profitable and capable of investing in the technology necessary to be accredited for making repairs to vehicles that are constructed with increasingly sophisticated technology and advanced materials.

Initiatives that will improve a repairer’s sustainability are: • Consider ways of improving the frontoffice administration and processing of claims to reduce touch time and save money on internal expenses and overhead.

• Stay up to date on the best most efficient products and follow through on investments in the business to stay efficient.

• Ensure 100 percent compliance in the proper disposal of paints and other hazardous materials.

• Reduce energy costs by investing in more efficient lighting, compressors and spray booths, and by taking steps to reduce heat loss.

• Reduce water consumption by capturing and reusing car wash water.

• Upgrade lighting and insulation to qualify for available improvement grants.

• Involve your employees in your sustainability efforts. Help them understand the positive impact to the bottom line from reducing costs and becoming more efficient. A stronger bottom line means better job stability and growth opportunities.

• Tell your sustainability story to enhance your corporate image and reputation.

• Give back to the community through donations and sponsorships to demonstrate your long-term commitment to the communities you serve.

CRM: In your view, what is the first step towards achieving sustainability?

RN: First and foremost, accept the fact that a sustainable repair industry is vital to its future success. Know how to read the signs of change in your marketplace. Be prepared to invest as you build your sustainability plan. Always be aware of the impacts on the customer and the environment. Never lose focus of the front line employee in your drive towards sustainability.

CRM: What do you think will be an area of growth?

RN: Over the next five years, the collision industry will diversify by expanding the available services they provide. The industry will offer customers with a full suite of services, such as glass, oil changes, and tire switchovers, to maximize their opportunities to interact with the customer. The logic is simple: if these value-

Data from connected vehicles is going to reinvent the claims process. I think we will move from the current linear sequential process to a more multi-dimensional data-driven process. In the foreseeable future, a computer chip in the vehicle could trigger the claim, kicking into gear a series of simultaneous activities.In essence, the vehicle itself will generate the first notice of loss to the broker or to the insurance company. The data will drive the process, including the agreed indemnity at the time of the loss. CRM

“

“When a repairer is more profitable, investments can be made in people and in the business to keep up with developments in technology.”

– Rocco Neglia

added services are executed well and the customer receives exceptional service, they will likely return for collision work.

CRM: What’s the biggest change we can expect in the next few years?

RN: The increase in technology and connectivity in modern vehicles is going to create a significant change in the insurance world that will impact the collision repair industry, as well. Technology is bringing us to the end of the traditional linear claims process where things happen sequentially.

Rocco Neglia of Economical Insurance.

february 2015 collision Repair 41

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measuring

Right to the Point

By Mike Davey

A

A technician uses Car-O-Liner’s Point X system to accurately blueprint a repair.

Modern measuring systems are more precise than ever before.

ccuracy in measuring has always been a large part of performing safe and highquality collision repairs.

The goal has always been to return the vehicle to the dimensions it possessed prior to impact. This has not changed, but the standards used have changed enormously.

Those who are relatively new to the business may accept tolerances of less than 2mm as a matter of course, but there was a time when this level of accuracy wouldn’t have simply been difficult to achieve. It would have been impossible, at least on a consistent basis.

Today, working to these extremely close tolerances is a given. Part of this is due to increasing technological complexity within the vehicles themselves. Modern automobiles incorporate numerous safety systems and substructures. All of these must work in concert, or they will not be effective if the vehicle is in another collision. We can hardly blame vehicle manufacturers for using the best tools at their disposal for creating the safest possible vehicles. However, this need for extreme precision does

place a burden on the technician and the Compare this to the way a suspension collision facility. check is often performed. In many cases, Luckily, measuring systems have con- not only must the vehicle be removed from tinued to advance along with automobiles. the bench, it must also be loaded onto a Today’s systems promise greater accuracy flatbed and transported to a different locathan would have been dreamed possible tion. If a problem is discovered, it comes even a few short years before, and some of back to the collision facility and goes back the systems go beyond simply measuring on the bench for more work. It’s obvious from point to point. The emphasis is on mea- that any technology that eliminates this suring better, faster, and cheaper, without process is bound to save time. sacrificing any of that essential accuracy.

“The other advance that saves times Marc Robert is with Auto Traction, an and money is that Vision X3 now inautomotive distributor handling Car-O- cludes universal measuring data, right in Liner products in Canada. He says there are the system,” says Robert. “Even with eleca number of advancements we’ve seen in tronic measuring, a lot of techs will want the last year regarding Car-O-Liner’s offering.

“First, there’s electronic measuring. The latest one, the Vision X3, has added features that older versions did not have,” he says. “One of the most significant is that technicians can now do a suspension check while the car is Wedge Clamp’s Pivot system in action. still on the bench.” february 2015 collision Repair 43

measuring

The Chief LaserLock live mapping system.

Celette’s NAJA 3D software won a best new product award at SEMA 2014.

to take a quick measurement of a single component, say the interior of the door, with their tramline. Previously, they would need a subscription with another company to get the data they needed to see if the measurement was accurate. Now, Vision X3 includes all of that information.”

Accurate measurements are necessary for accurate repairs. However, quick measurements can greatly aid in estimating.

“In the last year, Car-O-Liner has introduced a new system called Point X,” says Robert. “When you combine it with a two-post lift, you can use it to very quickly assess damage on the car. Pick two undamaged points, measure those, and then take five to ten more measurements. At this point the system will automatically load them into the computer for you, and will give you a pretty good idea of the damage involved. Within half an hour, you can have an accurate estimate.”

Celette’s jig system has long been known to provide excellent accuracy, for the simple reason that if the car is off, it won’t fit properly on the jigs. However, it is the company’s NAJA system that has shown the most advancement this year.

Celette’s newly released NAJA Evolution 3D Software won the “Best New Tools and Equipment Product 2015” Runner-Up Award at SEMA 2014.

“Our new 3D software has an edge on other measuring systems on the market in that its measurements are taken directly from OEMprovided 3D CAD drawings,” says Bastien Dias Da Costa of Celette. “It provides technicians with incomparable views of the control points in relation to length, width, and height, allowing an efficient damage analysis on a database of over 14,000 vehicles.”

The real advance with the NAJA 3D software is not that it provides more accurate measurements, although it does that as well. The really significant fact is that it builds up a true 3D picture of the vehicle.

“It’s not just about the dimensions and the numbers,” says Dias Da Costa.

“The new software will show the technician an accurate 3D representation

there was a time when this level of accuracy wouldn’t have simply been difficult to achieve. it would have been impossible. of the vehicle, showing you, in visual terms, precisely where the damage is and how severe it is as well.”

The drive towards better blueprinting is behind the latest innovation from Chief Automotive Technologies: LaserLock live mapping.

Measuring every vehicle that comes in the door and blueprinting a specific repair plan for each one is known to be one of the best ways to improve a facility’s cycle time. A lot of shops only have one

44 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

frame rack, though, and tying it up for estimating may wind up slowing things down. According to Chief, that’s where LaserLock comes in.

The system features a portable laser scanner with out-of-level measuring capabilities that can be used for blueprinting throughout the shop, even on two-post vehicle lifts. LaserLock frees up the frame rack to be used exclusively for repairs “When you measure every vehicle upfront instead of just conducting a visual inspection, you reduce the chance that ‘hidden’ damage will crop up and delay the repair,” says Bob Holland, Chief Director of Collision in North and South America. “Hidden damage can lead to supplemental estimates, lost time waiting for additional parts and unhappy customers. LaserLock’s design allows it to be easily moved between the estimating bay and frame rack, leading to better estimates and quicker repairs.”

In addition to the laser scanner, LaserLock includes 45 targets with a wide range of attachments, dual flat screen monitors, a computer, colour printer and exclusive Chief software. An aluminum collet kit is available for use with aluminum vehicles like the 2015 Ford F-150 pickup.

According to Chief, no matter where it is mounted, the LaserLock scanner can measure more reference points than any other system on both full-frame and uni-body vehicles. Chief says it can map the entire vehicle at once, reducing the time it takes to compile data for an estimate on vehicles with both front and rear damage, or diamond and twist damage. Once the vehicle is measured, estimators can print full-colour maps of

measuring

all the collision damage on a vehicle to create a thorough estimate.

Spanesi Americas produces the wellknown Touch electronic measuring system. However, the system has upgradeable capabilities that many people may not be aware of.

The Touch system is universal and can be used with any bench. This has always been one of its strengths. However, there is an upgrade package available for those who want to expand the capabilities of their Touch system. According to Spanesi, with Touch Wheels you can add a whole new dimension to your business.

Touch Wheels is an upgrade package available for the system that allows any shop to perform wheel alignments in house. Not only can the system measure alignments after the repair, it can function as an adjunct service.

Spanesi says Touch Wheels will show you the real cause of the problem. As a matter of fact, the Wheels upgrade will allow you to diagnose not only wheel alignments, but all of the bodywork, shock absorbers, arms, spindles, chassis, and the rest of the suspension.

Rodica Matei is the Chief Operating Officer for Wedge Clamp, manufacturers of the Pivot mechanical measuring system.

“The Pivot system was carefully designed to give you maximum performance in restoring total vehicle symmetry in the fastest possible time. The more you use it, the more uses you will find for it,” says Matei. “The system is well named, as the pivoting action is key. Because of the pivoting action, there are fewer pieces re-

quired to reach any point you wish to check for misalignment.”

The system works with any standard 3D vehicle measuring specification.

Wedge Clamp is currently looking at a deal that will bring a new, advanced me asur ing system to t he C anadi an market, the Eclipse electronic measuring system. Combining it will the Pivot system will provide full upper and lower body measuring. Watch for

an announcement on this in the next issue of Collision Repair magazine.

While it might seem that today’s machines measure to the closest possible tolerance, it’s always possible that the vehicles of tomorrow will demand even greater accuracy when it comes to repair and alignment. While that is pure speculation, one thing is certain: the measuring systems of tomorrow will be up to the task, as manufacturers drive towards ever greater accuracy. CRM

Introducing

Live Mapping : Nothing else measures up. ™

The addition of Touch Wheels can turn any Spanesi Touch system into a full wheel alignment rig.

LaserLock’s state-of-the-art Live Mapping technology measures up to 45 predefined target points in real time – more than any other system. No leveling is necessary, so you won’t need to tie up a frame rack for measuring and damage reports. And you can monitor live data before, during and after the pull. The result? Quality repairs done right the first time, in less time.

 To learn more, find a distributor at www.chiefautomotive.com.

Or call 800-445-9262.

february 2015 collision Repair 45

refinish zone

Year of the Clear

The latest products from the automotive refinishing market.

When it comes to adding those final touches to a vehicle’s repairs, making use of topof-line refinishing products helps ensure your customers walk away satisfied.

Collision repair professionals were treated to a vast collection of new refinishing products in 2014. From a list of companies including AkzoNobel, Sherwin-Williams, BASF, Matrix, PPG, and Axalta, among others, we saw new seam sealers, colour matching systems, primers and basecoats. However it was a surge of new clearcoats that dominated last year’s product releases.

Valspar had two clearcoat releases in 2014. The company introduced two air drying clearcoats—the 1-404 Air Dry Clearcoat and its Low VOC equivalent, the 80-404—designed for use with De Beer’s 500 and 900 series of basecoats.

As the year wore on, the company added two more clearcoats to its 2014 product release with the AD4200 and (the Low VOC) AD4221 Air Cure Clearcoats, which the company says were created with speed and quality in mind. The company says its clearcoats help reduce cycle time and operation costs and present well with gleaming, dust-free finishes.

Valspar’s DeBeer Air Dry Clearcoat requires no baking.

Not to be outdone, Matrix released two Pro-Spray clearcoats last year. The company says its PSC-4500 Hyper Clearcoat is a hyperfast and versatile coat that creates a durable finish, and for techs, is an easy-to-use spray that can be used in a range of weather and spray booth conditions. Matrix also introduced its Pro-Spray AmTech coatings lineup, including three additional clearcoats—the all-purpose AM-300 2.1 VOC Clearcoat, the AM-2200 2.1 VOC Euroclear and the AM4400 4.4 VOC Euroclear. The company says its AmTech series Euroclear coats provide excellent flow and fast dry times.

In addition to Valspar and Matrix’s offerings, Sherwin-Williams, PPG and SprayMax also released clearcoats of their own. PPG says its P190-6930 Performance coat is tailored for the company’s own waterborne Aquabase Plus basecoat, and is meant for high-production collision centres. PPG says the P190-6930 has quick air-dry and bake cycle times, and is adaptable to a range of temperature and humidity levels, and allows for buffing less than an hour after cool down. SprayMax’s release, the 2K Rapid Clearcoat, is a spot repair spray parent company U.S. Chemicals & Plastics says boasts fast drying times, is durable, has a great finish and is simple to polish.

46 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

Matrix expanded their Coast-to-Coast line with the MP-210 Direct-to-Metal Primer.

The Dimension Epoxy Primer DP210 from Sherwin-Williams is a high-solids, direct to metal, 2K epoxy primer.

S h e r w i n - Wi l l i a m s’ r e l e a s e , t h e F i n i s h 1 2 . 1 VO C S at i n C l e a r c o at FC750Q, was the latest addition to the company’s clearcoat line. It says the

refinish zone

FC750Q provides a low gloss satinlike, durable finish.

While 2014 seemed to be all about clearcoats, they weren’t the only offerings last year. Where primers are concerned, Sher win-Williams also released the multi-purpose Dimension Epoxy Primer DP210, useable for overall refinishing, customs, fleets and construction machiner y. Sher win-Williams says the DP210 is a high-solids, direct-to-metal primer that offers excellent performance and topcoatability.

Matrix’s additional offerings in 2014 included the Matrix MPB-LV low VOC basecoat, which the company says offers collision shops a compliant basecoat

Axalta’s new baseboat system aims to deliver improved colour matching capabilities.

without switching to waterborne, complemented by quick coverage, and excellent colour matching and blending properties.

The company also released the MP-210 Direct-to-Metal Primer, which it says provides good adhesion, is highly durable, corrosion resistant, spreads smoothly and covers quickly, and is compliant for use in the United States and Canada. Lastly, in 2014 interest rose in Matrix’s FX series for

AkzoNobel’s re-engineered U-TECH system was designed to provide improved coverage, sag control, and viscosity control.

customs, while the company also launched its Pinstriping line.

AkzoNobel introduced the re-engineered U-TECH Single Stage System. The company says the VOC flexible system was made for the commercial vehicle market to provide improved coverage, sag and viscosity control, combined with colour matching capabilities to streamline collision shop processes.

Veering towards basecoats, a number of companies introduced a collection of new colour-focused products in 2014. Axalta launched its new basecoat system—Cromax Mosaic—to encourage dependable and durable colour-matching. Axalta says it boasts a full palette of OEM colours and alternatives using Axalta’s colour tools, such as the Acquire EFX spectrophotometer.

Sherwin Williams released two new factory packaged colours—the Alpine White DFP280 and the Gloss Black DFP281. Both colours are 2.8 VOC-compliant and were requested by production shops, small fleet finishers and D.I.Y. refinishers, the company says.

Transtar also launched its Finish-Tec Factory Pack Black, a jet-black basecoat designed to match the appearance of OEM basecoats on a number of domestic and

Pro-Spray’s PSC-4500 Hyper Clearcoat was formulated with increased productivity in mind.

PPG’s new P190-6930 Performance Clearcoat is intended for use with PPG’s waterborne AQUABASE Plus basecoat.

The Finish-Tec Factory Pack Black from Transtar is a jet-black basecoat formulated to offer dependable great colour matching.

foreign vehicles. The company says it’s easy to use and doesn’t require anything more than a shake to ready it for application.

BASF’s latest products were on display at NACE, with the company showcasing a number of demonstrations for its Glasurit and R-M refinishing lines, notably the 90-line which renowned car customs guru Chip Foose led. BASF and Foose also attended SEMA in 2014, where Foose’s 1960 Starliner—painted using the Glasurit 90-line—while Ryan Friedlinghaus of West Coast Customs displayed his 2015 Toyota Sienna, painted with BASF’s Fiji blue from the R-M Onyx HD line.

When it comes to colour-matching, you’ll want to the closest possible OEM match, and with that in mind, PPG developed its value colour deck which provides an alternative to finding optimum matches. The company says the deck, which updates annually, includes 1,800 colours, complemented by an identification number and matching solutions, which the company believes provides the best chance for cost-effective repairs.

Valspar had releases of its own with its latest OEM colour-matching technology.

The company says the De Beer Mysterious Colours uses advanced paint technology to provide quality matching services that are able to replicate OEM basecoats.

Complementing the company’s WaterBase 900+ series and the BeroBase 500 series, Mysterious Colours comes in five liquid additives that can change warm green to red, light green to bright blue, violet to green, blue/green to pink, and russet red to green/yellow.

Looking at the year ahead, several companies are readying their next initiatives.

AkzoNobel plans to focus the coming year on delivering optimum performance, and will introduce the multi-purpose Sikkens Autocoat BT LV650. Meanwhile, Matrix Systems will look to expand its Pro-Spray line, specifically with respect to their solvent and waterborne basecoat and colouring technologies. CRM february 2015 collision Repair 47

PATHWAY TO THE FUTURE Trainingmatters.ca is the destination for accessing career training and opportunity within collision repair and associated industries. Targeted to career seekers and those already working, Trainingmatters.ca provides tools, resources, processes, connections and a comprehensive directory of courses across Canada.

Become a member today and help build your future.

For more information contact Ellen Smith, Director of Sales & Marketing, at ellen@mediamatters.ca or 416.536.9285.

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Hot rod school bus highlights school presentations.

By Mike Davey

W

hat’s the best way to get a positive message about careers in the automotive trades to high school students? Bring an example of the work!

Students in four classes from St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario, were excited to see MMC Bus Division’s customized school bus arrive at their east-mountain Hamilton school.

With 20 inch wide tires and rims, custom exhaust headers and hood extensions, bubble gum machines instead of seats, and a rear spoiler that lifts up at speed to reveal the amazing sound system, the bus is a tangible example of what a career in skilled trades can lead to and more.

The bus itself was recently the subject of a feature article in our sister publication, Bodyworx Professional. Check out the latest issue for more details on the bus and its creation.

While staff from the CIIA collision repair trade association (Collision Industry Information Assistance) and the Hamilton Industry Education Council were speaking to students on how best to enter motive power apprenticeship, other students were outside admiring the bus both before and during the training sessions.

Over 1700 students viewed the bus in one day, not to mention a number of passing drivers who stopped to take photographs. Apprenticeship-orientation classes were escorted to view the bus.

Over 1700 students viewed the bus in one day, not to mention a number of passing drivers who stopped to take photographs.

“When you are bringing the message of automotive apprenticeship and careers, additional visuals showing the products and skills involved in the trade have value,” says John Norris of CIIA. “We explained to young students the value of apprenticeship and why going to the College for the first class intake is so critical. It’s nice to be able to show those results of skills development used in making the bus, while highlighting the additional value in a skilled trades career as a licensed technician.

Many students were unaware that while university fees are increasing, college apprenticeship courses are still paid for by the province.” CRM

From left: Jeff Norris, Mikhail Karan, and John Norris of CIIA, and Glen Taylor of St. Jean de Brebeuf Catholic Secondary School in Hamilton, Ontario. Taylor noted that the hot rod school bus made an excellent conversation starter.

february 2015 collision Repair 49

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Practical Bonding Robert Bateman High School, Treschak Enterprises help weld industry’s future.

By Melissa Hayes

A

group of auto body students at Robert Bateman High School were given the opportunity to try Urethane Supply’s Nitro Fuzer Welding System hands-on during a visit to encourage youth engagement with the collision industry.

“There’s funding for students to do some experiential learning on different topics, so we teamed up with Treschak Enterprises, with Mark McIntyre, and we set up a bumper welding course for the students participate in,” says the school’s auto body program instructor, Michael D’Agostino.

McIntyre agreed to direct the demonstration after speaking with D’Agostino about Robert Batemans’ desire to reach out to professionals outside its faculty—encompassing many f ields of interest—to add an industry perspective to the school’s curriculum.

“I demonstrated welding equipment to the class and explained to them the nuances of classic repairs performed at a collision shop,” says McIntyre, adding that it’s important to him to get involved with students and engage them in their studies, especially where it also doubles as a chance to provide access to the latest technologies.

“They were able to see a piece of equipment that is fairly new to the industry, one they don’t have at the school,” he says. “It’s very expensive for schools to keep up-todate with the latest materials, so this way 50 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

“This is really one of the best ways to connect with the younger generation.”

- Mark McIntyre

they can try the equipment they would be using inside a shop.”

The equipment the students used— the Nitro Fuzer Welding System—is a nitrogen-based plastic welding tool that allows technicians to quickly bond any type of plastic, while also eliminating the oxidation of the plastic itself. This creates a stronger weld altogether.

D’Agostino says he hopes that through their time spent with the system, students saw firsthand that replacing parts isn’t the only answer.

“They could see, hands-on, that bumpers could be repaired, and quickly,” he

Students were enthusiastic about getting their hands on the Nitro Fuzer Welding System.

presented by

says. “It’s not something that takes a lot of time to repair when you know your equipment and you have good equipment.”

McIntyre says Treschak has always tried to stay involved with schools and colleges to get more young people involved with the automotive industry, but in this case, the real driving force behind his visit was the dedication instructor D’Agostino has for teaching, guiding and helping his students.

“Michael is passionate about the industry and he stays involved with his class, keeping them current and aware of what’s out there,” McIntyre says. “Some of his students have participated in Skills Canada and have competed regionally, nationally and at the worlds. His level of commitment shows how much he wants to help students and keep them interested in the craft.”

This degree of involvement was made even more apparent when students approached McIntyre following the class.

He says many thanked him for coming and demonstrated enthusiasm about the jobs and tasks they could complete with similar tools.

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Treschak’s Mark McIntyre demonstrates welding equipment to Robert Bateman High School auto body students.

While this was the first time McIntyre led a session, he says he hopes it’s not the last and is also working on encouraging other manufacturers to take part and get involved in Robert Bateman’s program.

“Our trade is not getting as many young people involved as we need to. I would say the average age of a technician is 45 to 50-years-old,” he says. “This is really one of the best ways to connect with the younger generation.”

D’Agostino adds that the school has plans to continue with bumper repair courses, with materials and time supplied by 3M, and hopes to make industry involvement a constant.

“Opposed to constantly hearing it from myself, the teacher, students hear it from experienced professionals in industry,” he says.

“It helps to reinforce the important steps of repair, and keeps students active and familiar with the different tools out there.” CRM

Being certified sets you apart from those who are not.

Together let’s keep the public safe and protect the integrity of your trade.

1.855.299.0028 | collegeoftrades.ca | @collegeoftrades

february 2015 collision Repair 51

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Alternative Fuels New course prepares techs to deal with special safety issues.

Different propulsion systems mean different methods and different safety requirements.

There are a wide variety of vehicles that fall under the umbrella of “alternative fuels,” including this 2008 Peugeot prototype that replaced conventional hybrid batteries with a compressed air propulsion system.

A

lternative fuel vehicles are more common on our roads than ever before. For example, there were over 600,000 flexfuel vehicles on Canadian roads in 2013, and those numbers will likely increase in the near future. This number does not include the increasing number of plug-in hybrids and all-electric cars making their way out of dealer showrooms, or the various vehicles fueled exclusively by propane or natural gas.

While oil prices have dipped recently, very few people believe that this will be a permanent change. In any case, many consumers desire alternative fuel vehicles for environmental reasons which are unaffected by the price of gasoline.

To help prepare the industry to deal with thes e vehicles, I-CAR has announced the launch of the Alternative Fuel Vehicle Damage Analysis and Safety (ALT03) course.

The live, instructor-led program is worth three credit hours and is designed to enhance a collision repair professional’s understanding of how to safely approach all types of alternative fuel vehicles. It also works to educate technicians on risks asso-

ciated with working with these vehicles as well as the importance of risk-avoidance.

In addition to the new course, online options for Alternative Fuel Vehicle Damage Analysis and Safety (ALT03) are also available as two separate modules. The damage analysis course (ALT04e) is offered as a one hour class, while the safety portion (ALT05e) runs for two credit hours.

“Each vehicle will require specific knowledge about the different risk avoidance elements engineered into these vehicles from a propulsion system perspective,” says Josh McFarlin, I-CAR Director of Curriculum & Product Development. “This makes building knowledge on the different alternative fuel vehicle types extremely important.

“This course serves as a solution to building a knowledge base on hybrid, electric and advanced fossil fuel powertrain systems such as propane, CNG and Diesel.”

Designed to be highly interactive, the newly introduced courses provide repair professionals with knowledge that can be applied at their businesses once electric or alternative fuel vehicles arrive. The courses dive into how to safely approach these vehicles after a collision, detailing

52 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

descriptions of the common parts found on electric vehicles and other types of alternative fuel vehicles.

The courses meet training requirements in ProLevel 1 for Estimators, Auto Physical Damage Appraisers and Electrical/ Mechanical Technicians in I-CAR’s Professional Development Program (PDP).

All versions of the courses have replaced Electric and Electric Hybrid Vehicles (ALT01/e) and Hybrid Electric and Alternative Fuel Vehicles (ALT02/e). Either the live course or both online courses must be completed in order to receive credit.

I-CAR is also debuting the new “Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Disable Search” on the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support (RTS) Portal. Through the Hybrid and Electric Vehicle Disable Search, professionals can easily find information on how to identify where parts for hybrid or electric systems are located, how to disable the system before beginning repairs, welding best practices and refinish precautions. This information can be found by manufacturer, model, or year.

To register for any of the three courses, please visit I-CAR.ca. I-CAR’s RTS Portal can be found online at I-CAR.com/rts. CRM

PRIDE. PASSION. SKILL. You work hard, every day, getting customers back on the road and keeping the engine of the business running. You’re the last line of defense between the customer and their next accident.

It all comes down to you.

This is your industry. This is your magazine.

Bodyworx Professional celebrates techs, painters, and other members of the production staff. Every issue is packed with news, how-tos, and tips on working smarter, faster, and better, with a special insight into the world of customization and restyling.

Be the best you can be. Subscribe to Bodyworx Professional today.

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Ontario passes Bill 15 to improve consumer protections, fight fraud The Ontario government has announced the passing of an auto insurance bill it says will help protect the province’s nine million drivers.

“These important changes are the next step in our Cost and Rate Reduction Strategy.

We’re building on earlier efforts to fight fraud and abuse, reduce costs and uncertainty and improve consumer protection,” says Liberal Minister of Finance Charles Sousa.

Announced last November, Bill 15 — the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014 — is intended to help fight fraud and consumer abuse by reducing rates for drivers, while also transforming the province’s auto insurance dispute resolution system to help settle claims faster.

The legislation is designed to provide consumers protection against towing and vehicle

storage industries through the requirement for tow and storage providers to publicly make their rates available. Companies must now also provide itemized invoices listing all of the provided services and their costs before demanding or receiving payment, and must accept alternate forms of payment other than cash.

Ontario will also now have the authority to change the current 60-day period a vehicle can be stored after an accident without the vehicle owner being notified.

“This act will deliver real results for Ontario drivers,” says David Orazietti, the Minister of Government and Consumer Services. “Consumers should be confident that tow truck operators are reputable, properly trained and will treat them fairly.”

The Ontario government originally announced its plan to reduce auto insurance rates for drivers by 15 percent in August 2013, to be attained over a two year period. Over a 12 month period ending in August 2014, the province has decreased rates by approximately six percent.

An independent third party has found that the government’s measures have been working, but more action is needed to meet the province’s reduction target in 2015.

The Fighting Fraud and Reducing Aut o m o b i l e I n s u r a n c e R a t e s A c t , 2 0 14 merged provisions from an earlier version of the bill proposed in March 2014, combined with components of the Roadside Assistance Protection Act, introduced in April 2014.

Vulcan releases 3rd winch option for V-70, V-100

Towers protest Bill 15

Vu l c a n h a s r e leased a new 3rd winch option for its V-70 and V-100 towin g a n d re covery units.

Distributed by Miller Industries, the auxiliary 22,000-lb planetary winch mounts to the lower side of the Above, right: Vulcan’s 3rd recover y boom winch option is designed with a pivoting with increased recovery and rigging in mind. sheave head mounted in the underlift down boom, below the dual sheave heads for the main winches.

Equipped with 200 feet of 5/8-inch IWRC

Tow truck drivers from across the GTA gathered at Queen’s Park in protest of Bill 15, the Fighting Fraud and Reducing Automobile Insurance Rates Act, 2014.

City News Toronto reports an estimated 1,500 drivers arrived at the legislature on December 9, 2014.

According to the report, towers take issue with the new act, voicing concerns related to anticipated price hikes and workday restrictions.

Tow truck drivers would be limited to 13 hour days and a maximum of 60 hours per week under the new legislation—working under the authority of the Commercial Vehicle Operator’s Registration—which they say will hinder their ability to provide services and maintain a quick response time.

Brampton’s City Hall was home to a similar protest on the morning of December 8, with close to 100 local towers in attendance.

wire rope, the auxiliary winch is designed to provide operators with increased recovery and rigging capabilities while helping to stabilize and control loads.

For more infor mation, or to c ont ac t your closest Miller distributor, please visit millerind.com or call toll free at 1-800292-0330.

For advertising inquiries, please contact Mike Davey at 905-370-0101 or advertising@collisionrepairmag.com.

54 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

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Contents Recycling News.....................57- 63 Allwest extends warrantees, new version of Hollander Interchange, and much, much more.

Recycler’s View...........................64

by David Gold

Allwest Auto Parts announces lifetime warrantees

Matthew Ivan and Steven Cox of Allwest Auto Parts. The company has recently announced the availability of a new no hassle lifetime replacement warranty on parts.

Allwest Auto Parts in Edmonton, Alberta, has gone beyond standard or even extended warranties with its new “No Questions Asked Hassle Free Replacement Warranty for as Long as You Own Your Vehicle” policy. It’s a bold claim, but one that the facility stands behind.

The concept was developed by Manager Steve Cox and yard owners Ed and June Wiersma. Cox has been the President of the Alberta Automotive Recyclers and Dismantlers Association (AARDA) for over five years and Ed Wiersma represented AARDA for several years on the Alberta Motor Vehicle Industry Council.

Cox and the Allwest team were looking for a new way to add “product” to their yard without having to invest in additional inventory and capital. Selling more warranties was an answer they came up with. Cox realized that to stimulate sales of part warranties they would have to make it more attractive to the customers. Then, putting himself in their shoes Continued on page 58.

and based on his experience, he realized that current disincentives to warranties would have to be overcome. Customers hold back from buying warranties that are limited by time or uncontrollable circumstances. Also, they may have experienced difficulties in the past with getting warranties honoured.

Cox and the Wiersmas gave the topic a lot of thought and concluded that providing a lifetime warranty was a big part of the answer to selling more warranties.

“After all, how long is the original part buyer going to own the vehicle that the part is going into anyway? Since used parts do tend to last a long, long time anyway, this further minimizes the risk of making this bold offer,” says Cox. The other key thinking behind the warranty concept being introduced was that customers don’t want to be hassled when they bring a part back for replacement under the warranty, so they decided to eliminate almost every possible reason that the warranty might be denied.

hollander releases expanded Hollander Interchange Hollander has announced the release of Hollander Interchange 80.04 and the inclusion of new fitment coverage for six additional part types. The Hollander Interchange is the automotive recycling industry’s database for identifying part fitment across vehicles and provides coverage for more than 160 active part types across more than 1,000 models.

The expansion of part types with fitment coverage included in the Hollander Interchange 80.04 will allow for increased parts selling for more vehicles. The new fitment for vehicles dating back to the 2000 model year were added based off customer demand. The fitment for six part types – instead of the average annual addition of one – were added to the 80.04 edition to help recyclers get the most from their inventory. New fitment added to the Interchange includes: • • • • •

Exterior door handles (129) Rear bumper covers (187) Front consoles (241) Sun visors (268) Suspension compressor pumps (522) • Engine fuse boxes (646) In addition, part type 490, stub axle, rear, has been renamed rear knuckle/stub to provide clarity in the inventory process.

Continued on page 61.

february 2015 collision Repair 57

Allwest... continued from page 57.

It’s a bold move, but as GM Steven Cox notes, customers aren’t going to intentionally break parts just to make a warranty claim.

“Customers won’t be asked about whether the part was properly maintained, how and where the vehicle was driven or whether the part may have been damaged in an accident or in some other way by the customer,” says Cox. This might seem almost cocky, but as Cox

points out, “Customers don’t deliberately abuse or break a part just to make a warranty claim.”

Cox says their experience has been that their customers are reasonable and honest, and it was this that allowed them to conceive this novel approach to stimulating the sale of additional warranties.

They expect that their faith in the concept and in the integrity of their customers will be well-justified.

For each part sold that is sold with the optional warranty, sales are equal to the value of the part plus the percentage added for the warranty, so the value of sales increases almost effortlessly.

Labour and incidentals are not covered, and the warranties do not cover simple wear and tear. Driveline components, of course, will be warranted to a pre-defined total mileage and no warranty will be offered on diesel motors. In each case a warranty card will be provided to the purchaser so that the few conditions that apply are clearly understood.

There is no way to predict if Allwest’s bold new move will catch on with other auto recyclers, but it seems likely that it will catch on with customers.

For more information on Allwest Auto Parts, please visit allwestparts.com.

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58 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

Canada’s Largest Auto Recycling Network! www.car-ms.ca • 1-800-567-3207

Our Members A&L Auto Recyclers (519) 687-2438 Windsor, ON Arnprior/Ottawa Auto (613) 623-7361 Ottawa, ON Bickell Auto Parts (705) 779-2621 Sault St. Marie, ON Carcone’s Auto Recycling (905) 881-8353 Aurora, ON Corey Auto Wreckers (519) 455-9040 London, ON Dave’s Truck and Auto Parts (613) 839-8733 Ottawa, ON Dom’s Auto Parts (905) 434-4566 Courtice, ON

CAR Management Solutions QRP is a premiere network of professional automotive recyclers dedicated to providing quality recycled OEM parts and salvage solutions.

The ARC Gold Seal program ensures excellence in customer satisfaction through customer service, quality parts with accurate descriptions, reliable deliveries and written product warranties.

Doug’s Auto Parts (613) 542-3256 Kingston, ON King’s Auto Wreckers (705) 745-6289 Peterborough, ON Logel’s Auto Parts (519) 745-4751 Kitchener, ON Maritime Auto Salvage (902) 662-2321 Truro, NS Miller’s Auto Recycling (905) 871-4354 Fort Erie, ON

FOR COLLISION Quality Replacement Parts (QRP) is our computerized inventory system. It allows real time requests with quick responses! The system is easy to use. Request a part and all members receive the request and respond in under 15 minutes with competitive quotes based on quality and availability. But that’s not all! QRP also gives you the power to obtain several different parts from different yards, all with a single mouse click!

FOR INSURERS Our total salvage management solution provides insurers with a convenient way to generate competitive returns while ensuring their total loss vehicles are handled promptly and properly.

FOR MECHANICAL REPAIRERS QRP offers you the same great functionality enjoyed by collision repairers.

Request parts one at a time, and within minutes receive competitive quotes from our entire network. You can still put together an entire repair order with a single click! Don’t forget to get a quote on extended warranties!

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For more information please contact Trisha Sembay at: (416) 231-8580 or trish@car-ms.ca

AREA and local partners join to remove ELVs, promote kidney health The BC Branch of the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Schnitzer Steel and the Automotive Recyclers Environmental Association (AREA) have joined forces to benefit the health of the environment and people of remote BC communities.

Over a year in the making, the partnership has set out to work with First Nations and Aboriginal community leaders to recycle endof-life vehicles (ELVs) and provide the at-risk demographic with kidney disease screening while directly donating to the cause.

“I always felt there was a link between the Kidney Foundation’s Kidney Car program and helping First Nation communities,” says Colin McKean, AREA Executive Director and driving force behind the initiative.

Following a Kidney Car meeting, while reading the back of a Kidney Foundation business card, McKean learned that certain ethnic groups—including First Nations—have a genetic predisposition to the progressive and irreversible disease.

With this information, and given that First Nations make up most remote communities in the province, the connection was made.

“Processing ELVs works great in urban areas and works pretty well in rural areas because the car still has value, but it doesn’t work with remote communities as the transportation costs are so high to get the product to market and by the time it gets there, it’s got a negative value,” McKean says, noting the challenges faced when removing ELVs out of isolated communities—an obstacle the partnership has aimed to overcome.

Working under the Kidney Foundation’s Recycle for Life initiative, the duo reached out to Schnitzer Steel to provide financial and recycling assistance, with AREA overseeing the transportation of ELVs to the province’s main recycling centres. A strong supporter of the Kidney Car program, Schnizter Steel agreed to provide equipment and expertise while also making a donation for every tonne of metal removed and recycled.

AREA, the BC Branch of the Kidney Foundation, and Schnitzer Steel are working together to clean up ELVs in remote communities while giving back.

“The more cars we can recycle out of the community, the more money Schnizter will donate to Recycle for Life,” he says. “That also gives the community the incentive to recycle more, because the more vehicles we can pull out of a community, the more benefit goes back to that community.”

Leaders of these communities will also have the opportunity to ask the BC Branch of The Kidney Foundation to host a targeted screening event and educate members at high risk of developing chronic kidney disease.

“We are truly proud to be part of this great partnership that will make a meaningful difference to First Nations and Aboriginal Communities,” says Naomi Low, Senior Development Officer of The Kidney Foundation, adding that early detection and prevention is key.

This approach, McKean says, falls in line with the mantra utilized by auto recyclers, and plays a definitive role in the two-phase initiative.

“I think the first phase is to clean up the communities by marshalling and removing the backlog of ELVs that have been accumulating for a long time,” he says, noting the absence of places to take vehicles to be repaired or recycled in these regions. “There are communities where

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there are more cars than people. They’re small communities, and may only have 80 people living there, but they’ll have 100 cars.”

As part of the second phase of the program, the partners have aimed to help the communities manage the pile up of cars and trucks by designating an area for future storage of ELVs, requiring only one deck truck making the trip annually to clear them out.

With a pilot project in BC’s Lillooet area currently in the works and

sights also set on the communities west of Williams Lake, McKean is hopeful that the initiative will be a success, and serve as a model that can be used across the country.

“It’s an idea that I think is going to work well and demonstrates auto recyclers’ commitment to dealing with ELVs in remote communities while also providing health benefits back,” he says. It’s a win-win scenario.”

Hollander ... continued from page 57.

Further, coverage for seventy-eight 2014 models and nine 2015 models are included, allowing clients to sell collision-related parts with confidence, and sell older parts to fit the most recent applications.

“Providing enhancements to the Interchange continues to be a priority for us,” says Dennis McCauley, Hollander Interchange Development Manager. “We recognize the important role the Interchange plays for our customers as the language of the industry. It was our very first product and we plan on maintaining its comprehensiveness in the future to meet recyclers’ needs.”

The Hollander Interchange is the cornerstone of Hollander’s 80-year brand. It enables auto recyclers to communicate in a standardized language in order to identify, inventory, market and sell recycled parts. Annually Hollander invests substantially in maintaining and enhancing Interchange. More than 3,000 automotive recyclers rely on Hollander products to manage their inventory, operations and sales. For more information please visit hollandersolutions.com.

Impact opens new Acheson overflow yard Impact Auto Auctions has recently opened a new overflow yard in the Edmonton area.

The salvage vehicle auction company announced the opening of the facility in November, naming Acheson, Alberta’s Southview Industrial Park as the location for the new overflow facility.

The property will add close to 12 acres of additional storage space to the Edmonton market and bring Impact’s capacity in the province to over 55 acres, complementing existing Albertan facilities in Nisku and Calgary. Impact Auto Auctions is Canada’s largest salvage vehicle auction company, with 14 auction facilities in British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Impact is a subsidiary of Insurance Auto Auctions (IAA), and a business unit of KAR Auction Services.

“We are very pleased to be expanding our storage capacity in

Alberta,” says Terry Daniels, Impact’s Managing Director. “In recent years, our Western branches have seen a significant increase in vehicle assignments due to severe weather. Opening this new facility will ensure we can continue to meet the needs of our customers during these events.”

The company says customers will be kept apprised of any vehicles that may be diverted to the new location.

It’s not surprising that Impact Auto Auctions would need more space for their Alberta operations. The announcement of the new overflow yard follows hot on the heels of another announcement from the company that its Calgary North auction will now be held weekly, with salvage vehicles for sale every Thursday.

For more information about Impact Auto Auctions, please visit impactauto.ca.

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CCC acquires Actual Systems of America, Pinnacle Professional CCC Information Services (CCC) has acquired Actual Systems of America (ASA) and all its assets.

T h e a c q u i s i t i o n — w h i c h t o o k e ff e c t December 10—includes interest in the Pinnacle software solutions, delivering a

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There’s plenty of life left in Green Recycled Parts.

And putting them back on the road is a great thing for the environment, your customers and your business.

So offer your customers an environmentally friendly alternative that will save them about half the price of new OEM parts without sacrificing performance or quality. Not only will they appreciate it, you’ll be rewarded with enhanced customer loyalty, trust... and more repeat business.

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Locate Green Recycled Parts for any vehicle or discover the new Gold Seal Recycler Program at

62 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

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powerful system for yard management, repair management and parts eCommerce, which helps create better cohesion between recyclers, repairers and insurers.

Pinnacle Professional is an automo tive recycling yard management solution system that is built for auto recyclers, by auto recyclers.

CCC says the acquisition will help integrate the company’s ONE platform, its TRUE Parts Network and the Pinnacle Professional Solution and aim to provide the collision repair industry with greater efficiency and productivity when buying, selling and managing recycled parts. The company also says the integration will help recyclers to quickly show, quote and sell their inventory directly inside its ONE platform. Current processes for data transfer and parts procurement are manual and lack integration, which can negatively impact cycle time, data accuracy and overall cost. The acquisition creates a single place for recyclers, repairers and insurers to interact, transact a n d p ro a c t i v e l y m a n a g e t h e re c y c l e d parts process.

ASA and CCC have been working together for several months to integrate Pinnacle Professional with CCC’s platforms for general deployment to help recyclers seamlessly display up-to-theminute inventory, customized pricing, delivery times, and part grades to tens of thousands of repairers and insurers. It will also provide buyers and sellers of recycled parts with eCommerce capabilities, such as online parts shopping and electronic invoicing, resulting in decreased phone calls and the elimination of redundant data entry.

The company says existing Pinnacle Professional solution customers can expect to continue to receive strong customer service, which will complement CCC’s customer support resources. CCC also plans to develop Pinnacle Professional further based on customer needs, as well as the needs of the recycling industry.

For more information, please visit CCCIS.com.

ARA announces new Director of Industry Relations, Consultant for Product Services The Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) has named Dwight Howard as Director of Industry Relations and Consultant for ARA’s for-profit subsidiary, ARA Product Services.

The former Hollander Account Executive and APU Solutions Director of Supplier Relations brings a decade’s worth of experience within the automotive recycling sector, including roles held in business development, training and bulk/international sales at GreenLeaf Auto Recyclers.

“Dwight is a dynamic individual that has extensive professional automotive recycling experience that will support the advancement of a number of important ARA initiatives,” says ARA CEO Michael E. Wilson.

In his new capacity at ARA, Howard will be

tasked with continuing to grow ARADirect, the online salvage vehicle auction platform launched by ARA Product Services in 2013.

“Dwight is well-known industry wide for his passion for the automotive recycling industry and delivering superior results in his past professional roles,” says ARA Product Services President Chris Wright. “We are excited to have him on board as he will be a true asset for ARA members.”

Since 1943, the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) represents an industry dedicated to the efficient removal and reuse of “green” automotive parts, and the proper recycling of inoperable motor vehicles. ARA represents the interests of over 4,500 auto recycling facilities in the United States and

fourteen other countries around the world.

With programs such as the Certified Automotive Recycler Program (CAR), Green Recycled Parts, and other partnerships, ARA members continue to provide consumers with quality, low-cost alternatives for vehicle replacement parts, while preserving our environment for a “greener” tomorrow.

For more information on ARA, please visit a-r-a.org.

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february 2015 collision Repair 63

recycling i

Thankyou!

We’ve furthered our industries by working together.

By David Gold

A

s another Canadian Collision Industry Forum (CCIF) approaches, I am reminded of how thankful I am that my industry has forged such a strong alliance with our most important customer: the professional collision repairer.

The collision repair industry does more than just support auto recyclers through the purchase of our parts—although vital—we also count on repairers for ongoing networking, information sharing and collaboration to develop solutions together to common issues and challenges. The CCIF has opened the door for all of this, and shops have been receptive to see this relationship through,

various processes which ultimately will positively affect your results.

It is comforting for auto recyclers to know that we can call up any of our collision repair customers and they will walk us through what they experience in a day so we can better understand their systems and what makes them tick. This type of knowledge is fundamental for recyclers as we can then educate our people and modify our systems to complement your work flow. With all stakeholders being under such scrutiny these days, it will be helpful if all industry sectors understand the KPIs that make us tick so we can all assist one another to get the highest marks!

ongoing communication and dialogue together is key.

making us all stronger and elevating our game when it comes to quality and customer service.

It has been stated previously in articles I’ve written, or in presentations by other auto recyclers, that we are in business to support and service your industry and are proud and honoured to do so. This is important for us to state clearly, and we will continue looking for ways to improve how we service your industry. We are inspired to see how advanced collision repairers have become—something that we admire and respect very much.

Recently I took part in a full-day Lean Solutions seminar in the USA that focused on many of the lean principles that I was first introduced to at Collision Forums, and in this very publication. Naturally, many of our interests are aligned when it comes to these kinds of philosophies, and being able to educate each respective industry on core principles such as the reduction of waste and cutting down on the number of steps it takes to complete a task are fundamental. Seeing as suppliers play a key role in initiatives, such as a reduction in your cycle time for example, it would be great for recyclers to be at the table and involved in helping to streamline and improve our 64 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

The auto recycling industry has taken every opportunity to be involved with collision repairers and we are very appreciative of our profound relationship. Ongoing communication and dialogue together is key and we have all grown and advanced so much as a result. The CRM and now Bodyworx Professional with Michael Carcone as a columnist are perfect mediums for the auto recycler to be able to report on our industry and of course how it ties into all stakeholders. We don’t see this level of cooperation in other industry segments that we are also a part of (like the mechanical repairers for example) and as such we know we are fortunate to have your attention.

Please e-mail or call me with any topics that you would like to see written about in this publication.

Our industries are allies and anything we can do to strengthen our ties and do more business together is welcomed. CRM David Gold is the co-owner of Standard Auto Wreckers, with locations in Toronto, Ottawa, Port Hope, and Niagara Falls, New York. He can be reached by phone at 416-286-8686 or via e-mail at david@standardautowreckers.com.

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ChoiCe Trusted. Timely. Relevant.

today’syouth Attracting them means speaking their language.

By Mike Davey

C

ollision repair is a funny business. When your customers need you, they really, really need you. When they don’t need you, they probably don’t think about you at all. When it comes to high school students, they’re probably thinking about you even less.

Making collision repair an attractive career choice has to start in high school.

However, it’s not new owners that the industry needs, at least not critically. While I wouldn’t discourage someone from heading down the path to ownership, a new facility opening up, or someone taking over an existing facility, will not help the labour pool one bit. It might make the available pool of techs and painters shrink!

We need technicians, painters, preppers, and detailers. We need people who are en-

Your young techs are a lot closer ... in age and outlook than you are.

Visit us on collisionrepairmag.com

66 collision Repair collisionrepairmag.com

One of the most effective ways to do this is to speak about it during a Career Day or similar event. Schools are always looking for speakers for these events, and most of them will be glad to have you.

Reminding high school students that you exist is the first step, but it’s far from the last. In particular, showing your passion for the industry might not be the best way to convince them that the collision repair industry offers what they’re looking for from a career path. You’re probably an owner or a manager, and that is absolutely not where they’ll be starting when they enter the field.

There may very well be high school students in your audience that already dream of owning their own collision facility one day, but let’s be honest: those people are likely coming into the business in any case. They’ve already got a high level of interest in collision repair.

It’s also likely that there are some students in the audience who know that they want to own their own business one day, but aren’t sure what. These are people you can influence, in either direction. They may hear you and decide that collision repair is where they want to focus their efforts, or they may take the exact same message and decide to look elsewhere.

tering those professions to think of it as a career, not just a job. We need them to have skills, a willingness to learn, and passion for the work. These are the people we really need to target at the high school level. Will hearing an owner move them to action? It might, but I think know a better way.

I frequently meet owners and managers who rave about a new hire. The same words keep coming up: passionate, skilled, smart, hard working. Their bosses are excited by them, and they occasionally cause others in the shop to step up their game. Doesn’t this sound like an ideal person to have in your shop? It also sounds like an ideal person to talk to high school students!

Your young techs are probably a lot closer to high school students in age and outlook on life than you are. A message about how great the collision repair industry is will carry more weight coming from them than it will from you or me.

Talk to your techs and see if one or more of them will step up. They’ll help bring in new blood. CRM Mike Davey is the editor of Collision Repair magazine. He can be reached at 905-3700101 or via email at editor@ collisionrepairmag.com.

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