Issue 10 | July 2013
1938 packard v12: back in original style Exploring Australia & New Zealand by 4WD Glasurit refinish readies 1953 Porsche for Monterey Motorsports Reunion
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GLASURIT – EDITOR'S LETTER | 03
EDITOR’S LETTER
Welcome to this issue of GLOSS magazine (Issue 10). Welcome to this issue of GLOSS magazine, where we take the opportunity to introduce you to some Glasurit customers who have been working on interesting projects, as well as profile some of the latest advances in Glasurit products and services both locally and around the globe. We were lucky enough spend time with Ron Goodman, who has combined his love of racing heritage model Porsches whilst running a successful Bodyshop business in Sydney specializing in repairing luxury vehicles. Ron is a regular on the Porsche racing circuit and regularly races his cars in the U.S. Restoring classic cars is a popular hobby amongst Bodyshop owners, and Barry Smith is no exception. He has lovingly restored a classic 1938 Packard 12 believed to be the only one in Australia. Barry talks us through the process and the challenges of restoring this grand old lady back to her original best using Glasurit products. The results are truly impressive. This issue saw us travel to Brisbane to visit the Brisbane Truck show. We spoke with the team at Drake Trailers who put on an impressive display of their very latest trailers all painted in Glasurit finishes. GLOSS also gives us the opportunity to showcase some of the very latest Glasurit products and services offer. This month we are excited to announce the Joint Venture between Glasurit and Boss through Advanced Bodyshop Solutions. The program offers the opportunity to selected Bodyshops to maximize their output and as a result their profitability. In this issue we outline all of the advantages that your Bodyshop can benefit from by being part of this rewarding program. Of course, it is not all about work in GLOSS and this month we researched some of the best 4WD road trips in Australia and New Zealand as well as some highly recommended fishing spots! We hope you enjoy the read and we would welcome any feedback or story suggestions that you have for upcoming issues. Kind regards
TONY WIGGINS Acting Business Director BASF Australia Ltd
CONTENTS FEATURES 04 Back in Original Style: The 1938 Packard V12 Barry Smith of Tasmania and his perfectly restored Packards. 07 S ystematic Colour Matching Glasurit shows its colours at the Techno-Classica. 08 The Best Aussie & Kiwi 4X4 Trips Thinking about a 4WD adventure? Our top picks. 10 B ASF Supplies Coatings for Mobile Cranes BASF’s new partnership with Terex® Cranes Germany. 12 BASF Develops Colour for Volkswagen SUV Concept Car Where blue pearl colour harmonizes with stainless steel appearance. 14 Living on the Edge: Porsche Racing How this bodyshop owner spends his spare time. 16 Good, Better, Boss Joint venture brings expert knowledge to make Glasurit Bodyshops more competitive. 18 EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY Does your Bodyshop know what to do in an emergency? 20 Dra ke Trailers Get the Glasurit Shine Glasurit helps Drake Trailers’ trucks stand out at the Brisbane Truck Show. 22 C ocktails and Reptiles at Glasurit’s Collision Repair Event Cocktail Party guests treated to Harbour views and animal encounters. 22 GLASURIT NEWS News, views and industry updates.
04 | GLASURIT – BARRY SMITH’S 1938 PACKARD 12
GLASURIT – BARRY SMITH’S 1938 PACKARD 12 | 05
Back in Original Style:
the 1938
Packard V12 In his double garage in Tamworth NSW, Barry Smith keeps two perfectly restored Packards – one of the most prestigious automobile marques to have come out of the United States. One, his prize possession, is a 1938 Packard 12. It’s probably the only one in the country and most likely to be the last car he’ll ever restore. The lustre of its subtle green metallic paint – which is surprisingly true to the original finish – has been achieved using Glasurit.
06 | GLASURIT – BARRY SMITH’S 1938 PACKARD 12
We spoke to Barry about his restoration project. How did you find yourself restoring Packards? Packards are a beautifully made motor car – they were the American equivalent of a Rolls Royce. The enjoyment of restoring one is hard to define – you can’t help but appreciate the workmanship, the design… once you get your teeth into one, there’s no going back. I’ve been restoring them since 1974 and I’ve done six or seven for my own personal enjoyment. A few years ago I decided I was of an age where I had one more left in me and that I’d like to do the best Packard they made. I decided a V12 would fit the bill, so I went to the USA and looked at four or five models before finding one to restore. I shipped it back then spent two years, full time, working on it. When you start a project like this it tends to possess you – it becomes an addiction. How easy was it to source the parts? Finding parts is quite difficult for the 38 because there were only 23 of this particular model made in the second to last year of production.
John Morris at Taminda Smash Repairs – which has been a Glasurit agent for the past few years – and we were fortunate to be able to use the gear. It’s metallic green – is that the original colour? Yes, surprisingly it is. The Packard was black when I bought it but I was keen to get back to the original colour – originality is a number one priority for me. On the floor of the boot I found some tar impregnated cardboard. We carefully lifted it up and found the original green.
I spent days looking at colours and with a lot of mucking about, we were able to pretty much match to the original – it’s as close as you can get.
I made several trips back to the States in my search and over time I built a catalogue of friends with similar interests. So I had blokes in the States looking for parts for me – blokes findings parts that I desperately needed. Hershey swap meets and eBay were also beneficial. But in the end, it really was a labour of love.
Was metallic paint unusual in the 30s? Often people don’t believe it’s the original colour because of its metallic finish, but they did make a metallic paint in 1938. In fact, out of the 13 colours available in the Packard range, only three were not metallic. So we’re pleased to say this is the original metallic finish – an extremely light metallic – very subtle.
How did you go about painting the V12? It took 18 months to paint, with me preparing the parts as best I could during the week, and a friend of mine, Graham Dennis, painting it on one day of each weekend. Graham paints for
To rebuild one Packard is an enormous challenge – let alone seven. Were you a mechanic in your working life? Never. I’ve been involved in retailing which has nothing to do with cars at all. But if you enjoy
something, you play with it all the time, and that gives you the knowledge. You learn from your mistakes and once you’ve been doing it for 40 to 50 years, you develop a lot of experience. That’s what makes doing a V12 so enjoyable. I can’t paint a picture or play a musical instrument, but I can restore Packards, that’s my passion and it’s very rewarding. You finished this Packard 18 months ago now. Since then what have you done with it? I’ve only shown it at Concourse events twice and we’ve won both times. When you get first place at Eastern Creek as we did, that’s about as good as it gets in Australia. It’s a serious judging process. I’ve also shown it at rallies. Recently I drove it all the way from Tamworth to Philip Island for a Packard rally – 1300km each way – and it never missed a beat, although at ten miles to the gallon, it has a healthy appetite. There were quite a few dozen Packards at the rally but not a lot of folk had seen a V12 so everyone wanted to have a look, to see it running, and have a ride, it was great fun. Is this the future for your 38 Packard? I’m unsure. If you drive your cars consistently, they lose that little bit of lustre that comes with being fresh and new, but then if you wrap them up in cotton wool you can’t enjoy them… I gave a fair bit of thought to this, but in the end, I just have to drive them – that’s what they were made for in the first place. Photos: Marlon Dalton
GLASURIT – AT TECHNO-CLASSICA | 07
Systematic colour matching
Glasurit shows its colours at the Techno-Classica. Münster For exactly five days in April, classic car aficionados’ hearts were all aflutter. From April 10 to 14, 2013, the Techno-Classica took place in Essen for the 25th time. BASF, with its premium paint brand Glasurit, appeared on the stage of the world’s largest classic car show of German and international carmakers, estimated to have drawn over 180,000 visitors. The Glasurit team welcomed many visitors at booth 111 in hall 5.0 for the second year in a row. Glasurit showcased a sort of “Who’s who” of premium car manufacturers’ most famous colours on refinished car models, such as Ferrari’s “Rosso Dino”, Jaguar’s “British Racing Green” and Mercedes’ “Angola Green”. Easy colour matching: The Glasurit Colour Profi System Breathtaking colour diversity is a key property of the Glasurit Colour Profi System. Thousands of colour chips for solid-colour and metallic refinishing are coated with original paints and arranged clearly in a patented
cupboard system, impressively attesting to the wide range of colours. What steps do you need to take to perfectly restore a classic car? In several presentations, Jürgen Book, head of Customer Service, provided classic car lovers with specialized answers to this question. After all, when it comes to restoring vintage vehicles’ original gloss, Glasurit’s expertise is in demand, since it offers the world’s largest colour library for classic car colours. A press of a button takes you to the exact colour The Glasurit RATIO Scan II portable colour measuring device demonstrates the impressive simplicity with which colour matching can work for actual refinishing. Just hold the device on the body, press a button, and it will measure the exact colour and quickly provide the desired mixing formula. “Last year, our booth attracted a great deal of interest. Our solid knowledge and hands-on
demonstrations provided in-depth insight into the fascinating world of paint at this year’s show as well,” said Glasurit Brand Manager Ignacio Cabrera.
“After all, we are not just a long-established and reliable partner of a wide range of car manufacturers, but we also share the same passion for the aesthetics of automotive beauties.” To get an impression of Glasurit’s TechnoClassica appearance in 2012, just go to www.youtube.com and enter the search terms “Glasurit” and “Techno-Classica”.
08 | GLASURIT – GREAT SOUTHERN AUSSIE 80 & KIWI 4x4 TRIPS
THE BEST Aussie & Kiwi
4X4 TRIPS As the world gets busier and our lives more hectic, it’s good to know we can still get away, catch our breath and recharge our batteries. That’s what a 4WD adventure is all about. It’s a chance to do things at a different pace and enjoy the unique attractions the Australian and New Zealand landscapes have to offer. It’s about discovering new places and your old self. Nothing is quite as exciting or enjoyable as a 4WD trip. Here are some you might like to tackle.
Birdsville Track, South Australia to Queensland First established during the 1880s as a stock route between Marree in South Australia and Birdsville in Queensland, the Birdsville Track has become one of Australia’s most legendary outback tracks. In those days, it would take about a month to complete. Although the conditions are still difficult, the track is now accessible to well prepared 4WDs for most of the year. There are many highlights to enjoy travelling through this harsh yet beautiful landscape. This includes white salt lakes, hot water bores, the Natterannie sand hills and of course, the famous Birdsville Hotel. The Birdsville Track is around 520 kilometres long and takes about two days to complete. If you’ve always wanted to travel it, then what are you waiting for? It’s something you really should do at least once in your life. Peninsula Development Road, Cape York, Queensland This is one of Australia’s best-known 4WD tracks and runs from Cairns right up to the tip of Australia. The road is only accessible in the dry season but you’ll be in for some difficult creek and river crossings all the same. Unlike many other 4WD tracks in Australia, this one doesn’t cross sandy deserts but twists through the luxuriant rainforests of far north Queensland. As always, it pays to be well prepared before heading off on the Cape York Peninsula Development Road. You’re sure to meet plenty of other travellers on the road, all heading to the top of Australia. They’ll all have plenty of stories to tell and adventures to share. After this incredible trip, you will too.
Gibb River Road, Western Australia Many people who have travelled the Gibb River Road, from Derby to Kununurra, say it is the most spectacular trip they have ever been on. It certainly has a lot to offer with river crossings, endless corrugations, stunning scenery and pristine, secluded campsites. The road was constructed towards the end of the 1800s to move cattle between Derby and Wyndham. Today, tourism accounts for most of its use with outlying stations continuing to use it too. There is no question that this can be a long, dusty, hot and rough trip, so you’ll need an adventurous spirit. The total trip distance is around 900 kilometres. However, this could be considerably more if you decide to explore the outback along the way. Old Telegraph Track, Cape York, Queensland Cape York has undergone many changes over the last few years, but if you’re prepared to get off the beaten track, this is still one of Australia’s most exciting 4WD destinations. Starting at Bramwell Junction, the track is full of corrugations, washouts and many creek crossings, making for a varied and challenging 4WD experience. The Telegraph Track is certainly a great adventure but it’s one you should never do alone. So grab a couple of keen travelling companions and all the right gear then head off on the trip of a lifetime. It’s best to plan your trip for June or July when the weather is perfect and there is still plenty of water around. Extreme care should be taken on the Old Telegraph Track as the water can be deep at even the most innocuous looking river crossing. As a 4WD destination this is one of the more difficult but with that comes a great sense achievement and reward.
Macetown, South Island, New Zealand Macetown is accessible only by a rugged 4WD track and crossing the Arrow River 22 times. Situated 16 kilometres from Arrowtown where the Chinese Settlers Village and film location for Lord of the Rings can be found, this former gold mining settlement is rich in history. Major buildings were restored in 2008 including a cottage and bakery to provide a fascinating insight into the lives of the early settlers. If you thought the trip to Macetown was exciting then wait until you arrive. This is where the real adventure begins. You will ride over rugged terrain, cross running rivers and explore the history of this remote region. You can even try your luck at a spot of gold panning. New Zealand’s South Island is a magical place and Macetown will give you an off road experience you’ll never forget. Skippers Canyon, South Island, New Zealand This is a precarious and exhilarating drive, which can only be tackled in a 4WD. While travelling the 22 kilometre journey you will be following in the footsteps of early pioneers. Surrounded by enormous snow-capped mountains and the magnificent aquamarine Shotover River, the views are as breathtaking as the drive.
GLASURIT – GREAT GLASURIT AUSSIE &–KIWI SOUTHERN 4x4 TRIPS 80 | 09
FISHING SPOTS THAT ARE WORTH A STOP If there’s one thing that’s just as enjoyable as four wheel driving, it has to be fishing. In fact, a 4WD adventure just wouldn’t be same if you didn’t take time to wet a line and see what the local waters have to offer. Here are some fishing spots that are so good, we really should have kept them a secret. Port Stewart, QUEENSLAND Formerly the port for the Wenlock and Coen goldfields, the mouth of the Stewart River is reached by turning right off the Peninsula Development Road just over 80 kilometres north of Musgrave. This is a popular camping and fishing spot but can get very windy when the trade winds are blowing. CHILLI BEACH, queensland Camping is available at Chilli Beach but requires a permit from EPA, which you can get from the Ranger Station along the way. Fishing from the beach and rocks is usually very rewarding and the view from Chilli Beach is absolutely spectacular. Pentecost River, western australia The Pentecost River is in the East Kimberley region and is renowned for having the best barramundi fishing in the area. The Gibb River Road crosses over the Pentecost and this crossing is the place you’re almost certain to catch that big barramundi you’ve always dreamt about. Seisia, queensland This area may not be well publicised but it is certainly worth a visit. Seisia is up towards the tip of the Cape York Peninsula and is a great place to call home while you enjoy some inshore and offshore fishing. Offshore there’s an impressive variety of fish including Spanish mackerel, queenfish, golden snapper and coral trout. While in the Jardine River you’re likely to catch barramundi, trevally and some big jewfish on the rising tide. Queenstown, NZ This has to be the most exciting way to go fishing there has ever been. A helicopter takes you to the best fly-fishing spots in the Southern Hemisphere and within minutes you’ll be casting a dry fly to lively brown and rainbow trout. Before heading off from Queenstown on your 4WD adventure, why not head to the remote and pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu on this completely new fishing experience?
Have your say! Head to our Facebook page and tell us about your awesome trip or other great 4WD tracks! facebook.com/GlasuritAustralia
10 | GLASURIT – BASF COATINGS FOR CRANES
BASF supplies coatings for mobile cranes In a recent partnership, BASF now supplies coatings for the mobile crane manufacturer Terex Cranes at its plant in Zweibrücken, Germany. The use of Ultra High Solids Coatings – that is, solvent-borne coatings with a higher solids content and low volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions – plays a central role. “Terex Cranes wanted to further reduce the emission of VOCs during the coating process,” said Karl-Heinz Edinger, BASF Commercial Transport Systems Germany. “We adapted our Ultra High Solids Technology to the specific needs of Terex, which helped us win over this customer.” Commercial vehicles such as mobile cranes are exposed to particularly harsh stresses
“Our topcoats also have high colour stability to allow the Terex vehicles to keep their typical colours for years to come,” through weather impacts and their use in offroad conditions. BASF’s primers and topcoats provide a high level of corrosion protection and weathering resistance. “Our topcoats also have high colour stability to allow the Terex vehicles to keep their typical colours for years to come,” Edinger said. To achieve flawless surface results, BASF’s Ultra High Solids Coatings feature special flow properties, since Terex uses spray application
to coat the cranes. Depending on the crane model, 250 to 500 litres of paint are applied to the vehicle. For comparison, depending on the model, a total of 12 to 15 litres of paint are needed to coat a passenger car. Terex Cranes Germany, a subsidiary of Terex Corporation, builds and coats mobile cranes with a loading capacity of up to 3,200 tonnes at its Zweibrücken plant. The various crane models range from small, manoeuvrable city cranes to Caterpillar vehicles with extension systems that are up to 230 metres high. “With Terex Cranes, we have succeeded in winning a key customer in this segment. We hope that we will strengthen and expand this collaboration in the future and, at the same time, continue to push forward the Ultra High Solids Technology,” Edinger added.
Not using Glasurit? You could be painting yourself into a corner.
Glasurit’s 90 Line is the leading waterborne paint worldwide. Better coverage means you use less paint and take less time. With increased productivity, you put more cash in your pocket. Environmental benefits are combined with exceptional support, including industry leading training, on-site auditing programs, outstanding field support and first class distribution. So don’t get stuck in the past using old technology. Glasurit can make your business more profitable. King of the Booth.
Glasurit, 231-233 Newton Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164 Australia Tel: 02 8787 0100 Fax: 02 8787 0133 www.glasurit.com.au
12 | GLASURIT – VOLKSWAGEN SUV CONCEPT
BASF develops colour for Volkswagen SUV concept car With its timeless design featuring clearly contoured shapes and blue specialeffect paint, Volkswagen has presented the CrossBlue concept car, a new generation of SUVs, at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit.
Volkswagen specially designed the car for the United States and Canada, and the colour was developed by BASF’s paint specialists in Würzburg. The midsize SUV is no less than 4.99 meters long and a good 2 metres wide. The CrossBlue, which seats six, is powered by 306 horsepower.
C rossBlue presented at Detroit Auto Show B lue pearl colour harmonizes with stainless steel appearance
Not surprisingly, the CrossBlue’s outer appearance is characterized by a blue, very fine pearl colour, which captivates viewers with its soft impression. The finish harmonizes with the alloy rims and the array of stainless steel applications on the body. The colour was developed by BASF’s Colour Management Team in Würzburg in close collaboration with Volkswagen. For years, BASF has been Volkswagen’s reliable partner worldwide, supplying products ranging from e-coat to clearcoat. In addition, at many Volkswagen plants, BASF is a system supplier with a service team on site.
GLASURIT – GLASURIT LIKES FACEBOOK | 13
glasurit likes facebook
And if you don’t mind us drooling over your best projects or examples of any state of the art paint jobs that you’ve seen, upload them to our Facebook page as well.
Glasurit is now on Facebook!
To get involved with all things Glasurit, cars, paint and tech talk, jump on and “like” us at www.facebook.com/GlasuritAustralia It’s a great place to get your questions answered, find new ideas and get the latest info from Glasurit. Add your comments and opinions. As the industry experts, we want you to share your knowledge, photos or videos and let us know what you are up to.
You can also now find GLOSS, online. Subscribe at www.glasurit.com.au/glasurit/gloss-magazine or browse previous issues. And while you’re at it, why not check out all the latest Glasurit technical videos at Glasurit TV on our website. Glasurit. King of the Booth… and now doing it nicely online.
facebook.com/GlasuritAustralia
14 | GLASURIT – PORSCHE 356 RACING
: e g d E e h t n Living o
g n i c a R e Porsch y job – as the owner of da s hi At . es ch rs Po es d breath pairs Ron Goodman lives an – he oversees panel re lle vi an Gr of rb bu su in the Sydney s free time, he races. hi In ). es Exclusive Body Werks cl hi ve ry xu lu (among other for his clients’ Porsches
GLASURIT – PORSCHE 356 RACING | 15
“I was racing NASCARS until 1995 when I had a bad accident on the track, and subsequently lost a kidney. I pulled back for a while but I’ve always loved Porsches so I started to race them, initially current models but over time I’ve moved more and more into the older models,” said Ron. He says the difference is simple but significant: “When you drive a new Porsche you expect it to be fast – when you drive an old one, if you get it going fast, you know you’re doing something good.” Ron now owns a few heritage Porsches – among them a 1960 356 that he stores on the East Coast of the USA and 1953 and 1957 models that he stores in Australia. All three vehicles have performed well for him. “Porsche has the perfect combination for racing – they’re very light, they have decent horse power and braking,” he says.
“We’ll take the 1953 model over from Australia for this event – they’re fast – they can beat 1980 and 1990 model Porsches” The proof is on the record. In September 2012, Ron came in second at the prestigious New York Historic Grand Prix, driving the 1960 Porsche 356.
PHOTOS: robscheeren.com
Just last month he headed off to Road Atlanta for the Classic Motorsports Mitty, a prestigious four-day historic race meeting covering a few hundred kilometres. During that event, he raced his American-based 1960 Porsche 356 for periods of over two and a half hours each day.
Clockwise from top: For Ron, racing his Porsche is all about pure adrenalin; “They’re very light, they have decent horse power and braking,” says Ron; There’s no prize money but winning adds value to the car; Not quite the luxury you get these days.
In late May he was invited to take his 1953 Porsche to the RENNSPORT reunion in Australia. Monterey Motorsports Reunion Perhaps even more impressively, this year Ron was one of a select few Porsche drivers invited to participate in the 2013 Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion, an annual event held at the Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in Monterey, California. With 4,000 people applying to participate and just 400 selected, this is the crème-de-la-crème of historic motor vehicle racing. “I’m really
pleased to have been accepted for the Monterey Historic in August this year. The application process was intense and really long. I was left waiting on a knife’s edge for the invitation for four months. “We’ll take the 1953 model over from Australia for this event, they’re fast, they can beat 1980 and 1990 model Porsches,” he said. Pure Adrenalin For Ron, competing these days is all about the pure adrenalin of racing in a Porsche. “You certainly don’t do it for the monetary gain – it costs a fortune just to get the car and crew there, there’s no prize money and you’re not allowed to get sponsorships to cover the costs – so it’s a big effort. “Over the years, I’ve won a few races, but the win is just part of the fun. It’s more about the thrill of being out there, and being able to push the car and myself to the limit… you’re a long time dead, so why not?” All about the Car There may not be any prize money associated with racing Porsches but a win – or even participation in an exclusive race like the Monterey Historic – adds value to the car. Ron says a significant portion of the car’s value also comes from the aesthetics. “Aesthetics count for 60 per cent of a car’s value so its got to look good, which is why I use Glasurit.” At Exclusive Body Werks, where Ron repairs marques that include Porsche, Rolls Royce, Aston Martin and Lamborghini, Ron uses both water-based and solvent-based Glasurit products. “Most Bodyshops can’t use both products on one premise because of the risk of contamination,” said Ron. “We don’t have this problem because we work on very few cars at any one time; specialising in high end vehicles enables us to do this.” He said the reliability that comes with the Glasurit product line is essential to his business success. “I’m fanatical about achieving the best job and I’ve never had a problem with Glasurit. Strike rates are good and if we ever need anything, we ring the team and they’re out here straight away.”
16 | GLASURIT – ABS PROGRAMME LAUNCH
GOOD, BETTER, BOSS The joint venture between Glasurit and Boss through Advanced Bodyshop Solutions is sure to be a boon for your business.
pack. It’s for people with open minds that want to keep up with the very latest.
Alan Shotton
In today’s increasingly competitive market making your business the best it can be is essential. That’s why you’re sure to be interested to learn that Boss Australia Services is now an integral part of Glasurit’s Advanced Bodyshop Solutions (ABS). Boss has worked with Bodyshops throughout Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates with a clear brief to make them more productive and more profitable. The founder of Boss is Alan Shotton and he has both a painting trade background and a university degree in commerce and finance. This means he brings with him a real understanding of the trade along with a comprehensive knowledge of finance and business. Alan is one of nine staff at Boss, all of whom either have trade training or are qualified accountants.
Mark Wall
According to Mark Wall, BASF, one of the biggest reasons for poor growth and profit results is lack of staff training and development. “Most shops are operating at just 65% to 70% of their capacity and it’s our job at ABS to coach and mentor people so they improve their productivity and reach their goals,” Mark says. He believes that cultural change and people development make an enormous difference. With ABS support and coaching it seems everyone enjoys their work more. In fact, that’s the whole point behind the coaching. It’s about having fun and maintaining a positive attitude every day. This ABS programme offered by Boss and Glasurit is for ambitious people looking to improve their business and stay ahead of the
As Mark Wall says, “We’re about giving our customers all the information they need to maintain a sustainable and profitable business into the future. Our partnership with Boss means that we can offer even more expert analysis and information on how to make your shop a productive and harmonious place.” ABS through Boss takes an approach to work that might seem a little different at first. But once everyone takes it on board and appreciates its value then the results can be seen in a more efficient workplace and a more profitable business. Boss encourages hard work but at the same time promotes an enjoyable working experience where you develop strong relationships and feel a great sense of camaraderie. The skill set that Boss brings to the table greatly complements the Value Added Services already in place. Now along with facility planning, performance analysis, seminars and group meetings, you can also benefit from Boss’ experience and expertise in helping develop a strong staff culture and a healthy, profitable business.
GLASURIT – ABS PROGRAMME LAUNCH | 17
Everyone in business wants to make improvements. But sometimes that’s easier said than done. No matter what sort of business you’re in, there is one statement that is appropriate to all.
“If you want to improve it… first you have to measure it.” This is where the combined talents of the people at Glasurit and Boss can really help you work out where you are now, where you want to be, how to get there and importantly, how to measure your performance to keep you on the right track. Assessment Here we conduct a comprehensive assessment of your business, looking at all aspects of your performance in detail. With this analysis we focus on individual needs and challenges, pinpointing areas that have the most potential for improvement.
Budget When it comes to budgeting, you’ll be shown how to create precise budgets to ensure your business is always profitable. This includes calculating labour rates that build in the profit expectations of your business. Coaching Your very own business coach will review your results and help you decide on what changes need to be made. One-on-one is by far the best way to learn and gives you the opportunity to ask any questions you have. Benchmarking Benchmarking of your Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) against your internal targets is essential. You really have to know whether you’re achieving your goals if you want to be profitable and this is what we’ll help you with. Cashflow Attention also needs to be given to benchmarking and cash flow projections for you to improve your business. So assistance in these areas is naturally available from the experts at Advanced Bodyshop Solutions.
Facility planning As a member of Advanced Bodyshop Solutions the benefits are many, including a facility planning service that will help you achieve maximum efficiency by providing you with designs tailored especially to meet your production targets. Seminars We arrange seminars and group meetings to give you the practical knowledge you need to ramp up performance and profits. Here you’ll meet industry experts, discuss new ideas and network with people who share your ambitions. Technology designed to help Technology can make a real difference to the way you operate. That’s why Glasurit engaged software designers and engineers to develop online interactive tools that let you track, analyse and improve your performance and control costs through time, labour and material. For more information contact Mark Wall, Bodyshop Solutions Specialist, on 0409 741 784 or visit www.glasurit.com.au/value-added-services
“Advanced Bodyshop Solutions integrates with the Glasurit Customer Support Platform where Paintshop programmes look at the quality and performance of areas including equipment, installations, environment safety, products and processes. From this an action plan is developed to help you make the necessary changes to increase the output of your shop.” Ian Johnson. Technical Sales Support Manager ANZ.
“I would encourage Glasurit users to embrace the ABS programme which has been designed to assist in positioning your business in this changing, challenging and more competitive market. ABS is here to support a sustainable foundation on which to build our future.” David Priestley. Business Manager ABS, ANZ
18 | GLASURIT – SAFETY IN THE BODYSHOP
EMERGENCY, EMERGENCY
Work place safety is one thing but what do you do in a real emergency? As the owner or operator of a bodyshop you’ll know that the health and safety of your employees is your responsibility. Of course, there are some people who think that occupational health and safety, or OH and S as it’s usually called, has gone too far and that it takes up too much valuable time. But on the whole, it’s seen as a sensible and necessary part of running a business. After all, by looking after your workers’ health and safety you have a happier, healthier and more productive work place.
When they do it can be a very confusing and frantic time, making it difficult to think clearly. That’s why it’s so important to have an evacuation plan in place and that everybody knows that plan. Obviously, every bodyshop is different so each evacuation plan needs to be different too. To start with you’ll need to look at the layout of your bodyshop to ascertain just where everything is and the easiest evacuation route. To avoid any misunderstanding, your plan should be straightforward, easy to follow and usually include simple diagrams.
But what happens in a real emergency? Have you got a plan in place if the unexpected happens?
Take action • Make sure everyone knows what the emergency signal sounds like – whether it’s an alarm, siren, bell, horn or public address system
Fortunately, emergencies rarely occur in bodyshops but they do happen and when they do you need to be able to act quickly and effectively. Otherwise the consequences could be tragic.
•D esignate an assembly area and ensure there’s a current staff list so everyone can be checked off. Don’t forget visitors or customers either
The sorts of emergencies that are most likely to occur in a bodyshop include fire, explosion and hazardous chemical spills.
• T he first aid kit may be needed urgently so appoint someone to bring it along
Which is something we all strive for.
• Know where all emergency equipment like fire extinguishers and fire blankets are located so you can access them quickly • Have contact details on hand for local emergency services – fire, ambulance, hospital, police and poisons information • To make things even clearer, evacuation route maps should be prominently displayed and emergency exit signs should be easily seen. Put your plan to the test When you’ve developed and written up your emergency plan it’s a good idea to put it to the test to see that everything runs smoothly. After all, you wouldn’t want something to go wrong in a real emergency. Take your staff through an emergency evacuation drill and make adjustments to your plan if it’s required. Check that all emergency equipment such as fire extinguishers, are up to date and in proper working order. Training your staff in emergency procedures is important so it makes sense to include it in your induction for new employees.
GLASURIT – SAFETY IN THE BODYSHOP | 19
Display your plan for all to see There’s not much point in hiding your plan away in an office drawer where it can’t be seen. What you should do is display it in a prominent place so everyone can see it. Try to make the information as simple and as highly visual as you can. This makes the information easy to read and comprehend. Remember, the more your plan is seen the more it will be understood. Keep everyone in the know • All your employees should be well aware of your plan and have an evacuation route firmly in mind • They should be familiar with the sound of the emergency alarm • Everyone needs to know where to report after evacuation • Also everyone should know where the emergency contact numbers are located Further information on the full requirements of a site emergency management system can be found in Australian Standard 3745 :
2010 Planning for Emergencies in Facilities. Australian Standards can be ordered from www.saiglobal.com
Are waterborne paints also good for the working environment? The volatile organic compound (VOC) content of waterborne paints is significantly lower than conventional solvent-based paints so VOC emissions are reduced, which is good for the environment as a whole. But what about the working environment? Are there any benefits for a typical Australian bodyshop? Waterborne coating material is suspended in the water carrier (polymer), instead of having the coating material dissolved in solvents. This means you can easily clean up your equipment and tools with water. This will also significantly reduce the amount of gunwash solvent and waste solvent product, resulting in a substantial cost saving.
Waterborne technology has a higher solid content than solvent. This means that mixed colours will cover in fewer coats, reducing the amount of basecoat required during the painting process. The reduction of solvent used in processing of waterborne basecoat and cleaning of equipment reduces the chance of your employees contracting potential health risks associated with the use of solvents. If you’d like a cleaner, greener working environment, maybe you should consider using waterborne paints in your shop. Can we help? There are plenty of people that would be more than happy to help you with your emergency evacuation plan. These include government organisations like Worksafe. There’s also information available from the National Safety Council of Australia, Safe Work Australia and the Safety Institute of Australia. You’ll find them all and more on the net. Glasurit also offers help with such issues through their Advanced Bodyshop Solutions.
20 | GLASURIT – DRAKE TRAILERS
Drake Trailers Get the Glasurit Shine When the trucks rolled into the Brisbane Truck Show in May, Drake Trailers was the stand out. “When we parked our trailers alongside others, we turned heads – ours stood out like shiny beacons,” said Sam Drake, Sales Representative and grandson of the company’s founder Colin Drake. “Glasurit has such a shine.” It hasn’t always been the case for Drake. “About eight years ago, unbeknown to us, we were using a second rate paint product on our trailers. The finish was no good and it wasn’t standing up to the harsh Australian conditions. “At the time, paint didn't seem to be a huge focus for us, possibly something carried over from my grandfather’s belief that a trailer is a workhorse not a show pony. So we were solely focused on the product design, and servicing our customers’ needs,” he said.
Transport Solutions The company delivers transport solutions for the heavy haulage and transport industry, with trailers custom manufactured to meet each customer’s very specific needs. “We are market leaders in the design and manufacture of Full Widening, Deck Widening & Swingwing/ Swingwide Lowloaders, Steerable platforms, Mine Site Transporters and of course special purpose trailers. We also manufacture trailers for the wind farm industry, with Schnabel's, Telescopic Steerable Extendables, Jinkers and Vessel Carriers as well as Extendable Steerable platforms for carting tower sections and various other components of wind farm equipment,” said Sam. “We have become a first choice for many of Australia's best known companies, and as a result of that, we’ve become the largest manufacturer of Lowloaders and Steerable platforms in Australia. We employ approximately 300 staff and take up 8,650 square metres of modern manufacturing and finishing facilities here in Wacol, Brisbane.”
Why Glasurit? Sam said the decision to switch to Glasurit came about as part of the company’s natural evolution, coupled with response to customer demand. “About eight years ago we moved away from using contractors to finish our trailers. We decided our customers deserved a better finish and as the market leader, we knew it was important to find the best product available to present our product. We settled on Glasurit because it has a fantastic reputation in the paint business and is used widely by many reputable non-rival trailer manufacturers as well as the automotive leaders, like Rolls Royce and Porsche (although they use a different line of course). It was that standard of finish that we wanted to achieve and reflect for our business brand. “The new system was fairly tricky at first because the paint was so different. Initially we noticed it cost more too, but then we discovered you don’t have to apply as much paint, and the finish was far better,” said Sam.
GLASURIT – DRAKE TRAILERS | 21
Facing page – clockwise from far left: Like their Grandfather, Sam and Colin Drake deliver solutions for heavy haulage and transport; Drake are market leaders in design and manufacture; a great Glasurit finish for the great Australian outdoors. This page – clockwise from top left: Everyone wants to know what gives Drake trailers their shine; Drake Trailers are Australia’s largest manufacturers of Lowloaders and Steerable platforms; the ingenious Drake tyre caddy.
He said the big savings came in time. “Previously we had full time sub-contractors managing our paint process, which wasn’t giving us the standard we needed to deliver, so we took it in-house. This, combined with the introduction of the Glasurit paint system, dramatically reduced our rework, improved our production line efficiency and maximised our paint finish quality." That’s important – not just in terms of saving money but time too. Over the past five years, Drake Trailers has doubled in size due to the resources boom. Sam says they’re still flat out with ongoing orders and commitments, so there’s no time to re-work dodgy paint jobs. Brisbane Truck Show There are also the new leads generated from the Brisbane Truck Show to follow up. This was the third time Drake Trailers has been at the bi-annual show and as always, the company’s trailers attracted a heap of attention.
“Every time we exhibit, immediately, the comments fly about how good the paint finish is. People can see their reflection in it.” “The Brisbane Truck Show is incredibly important to us. Not only to display our equipment but also to promote our Drake Collectables Model division. Meeting our customers, potential buyers and mingling with industry is what it is all about. We expect to build contacts and promote our company and hopefully sell a few floats! “This year we showcased the trailers that we most commonly manufacture – the 4 x 4 full widener and a 2 x 4 dolly,” he said. A New Innovation Sam also displayed an innovation that has been designed and manufactured at Drake
Trailers in response to the growing awareness surrounding issues of health and safety. “It’s called a tyre caddy. It’s a mechanism that holds spare tyres for trailers and trucks, because of course they’re quite heavy.” The idea is to reduce manual handling. Traditionally, a truckie will bear-hug a tyre off the top of a gooseneck, and then let it down to the ground, which puts his back at risk of injury. The tyre caddy eliminates the need to do this. “It has a system much like a small crane with a special bucket that the tyres sit in. The operator lowers the bucket to the ground using hydraulic controls. It’s a great, simple idea with huge sales potential worldwide. We’re really excited to have come up with the concept,” said Sam. No need to ask… of course, it’s finished with Glasurit!
22 | GLASURIT – NEWS
GLASURIT NEWS
Cocktails and Reptiles
at Glasurit’s Collision Repair event
Glasurit’s Collision Repair cocktail parties are always a much sought after invitation and this year’s event did not disappoint. Over 130 VIP guests embarked on a harbour cruise from Darling Harbour to the zoo wharf where they then transferred on the Sky Safari to the top of
the zoo grounds. Taronga Zoo is one of Sydney’s main tourist attractions, and their Function Centre boasts uninterrupted views across Sydney Harbour and the city. The main attraction of the evening seemed to be the animal encounter. Zoo staff roamed the event offering an up close
and personal experience with a bearded dragon lizard, a tortoise and a diamond python. Not everyone was keen to participate in this part of the event!! A magician was also on hand to entertain guests, dazzling them with an array of magic tricks that had even the most experienced amateur magicians puzzled! Tony Wiggins officially welcomed and thanked invited guests who had travelled from all over Australia and New Zealand to attend the event. He thanked them for their continued support of Glasurit and their commitment to the industry. The event was a fantastic opportunity for networking and catching up with colleagues and industry contacts whilst enjoying the stunning harbour views, good food and drinks and the company of some scary reptiles!
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GLASURIT – NEWS | 23
GLOSS MAGAZINE
GLOSS Staff Member Questionnaire: Your name: Tony Wiggins Position: National Sales Manager (Acting Business Director) How long in this position: 18 months. How long at Glasurit: 13 years. Best part of your job: The people you meet and the stories they tell. Worst part of your job: People that always look for the worst in situations or other people. Biggest achievement in this role: The current BASF Distributor network is the best in the industry. Favourite movie: Too many to mention, but I do like Guy Ritchie movies. Favourite type of music: All types from Rock to Classical but I have a soft spot for 80’s music. What would be your ultimate meal? Being a Pom I do love a good curry with friends and a few beers to wash it down or, if it was just me and the wife, a table at The Fat Duck Heston Blumenthal restaurant with Heston cooking for us.
What 3 people would you choose to share it with? Derren Brown, David Sullivan (owner of West Ham United Football Club) & Michael Parkinson. I would have said my wife, but there is no way she would want to be there with my guest list and conversation topics unless it was at The Fat Duck. How do you relax outside of work? Socialising with friends & family, good food, good wine and finding a cocktail bar that can make a great Old Fashioned. And also playing football on a Thursday night with the boys. Is there a funny story you can share with us whilst you’ve been involved in your job? Plenty but I’ve been sworn to secrecy. What did you what to be when you grew up? And why did you decide this industry? Professional Footballer but partying and having fun won out. The industry found me. I have always enjoyed sales and when BASF went into the joint venture with Wattyl Paints, I moved from Wattyl to the joint venture. It was the best working decision I have ever made. Tell us something that we would find surprising about you: I was born bang on midnight. One midwife put one date on my wrist and the other midwife put the next day’s date on my ankle. They ended up letting my mum decide which date she wanted. I still celebrate on both days.
And our next feature in GLOSS magazine is … YOU! We want to hear from our readers, whether you’re a bodyshop owner, staff member or distributor. We want to hear about any interesting refinish or restoration projects that you’re working on, things that are of concern to your bodyshop or the industry, changes you’ve implemented that you’d like to share with other readers or just funny stories from your bodyshop. Write us a letter, drop us an email, send us a photo or just ask us a question if you want. We’re looking forward to featuring some of your contributions in future issues of GLOSS.
Cover photograph: MARLON DALTON
Tony Wiggins
IM PRINT Editor
Ian Wilkinson – Business Director, Coatings Australia & New Zealand BASF Australia Ltd 231–233, Newton Road Wetherill Park NSW 2164 Australia E: contact-australia@basf.com Phone: 02 8787 0100 Fax: 02 8787 0133 Glasurit® is a brand of BASF Australia Ltd, a company in the BASF-Group. www.glasurit.com.au www.asiapacific.basf.com Advertising Trudi Raymant – OMG! Creative Level 3, 180 Flinders Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Phone: 03 9654 0532 E: trudi@omgcreative.com.au Editorial Contributing Editor Lucy Sutherland Lucid Communications Pty Ltd Australia & New Zealand Contact for press enquiries: Phone: 02 9555 9476 E: lucy@lucidcomms.com.au Art Direction, Design & Production OMG! Creative Level 3, 180 Flinders Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Australia Phone: 03 9654 0532 www.omgcreative.com.au Photography
Contact Trudi at OMG! Creative trudi@omgcreative.com.au or phone 03 9654 0532
robscheeren.com Steve Pohlner Refined Shine BASF Marlon Dalton Getty Images iStock © BASF Australia Ltd 2013. No responsibility is accepted by BASF for the accuracy of any statement of advice contained in the text or advertisements. All material appearing in GLOSS magazine is copyright. BASC0178
When you take pride in your work, you use Glasurit.
A brilliant paint job is a work of art. If you’re serious about the quality of your work, then it makes sense to use the best refinishing products to give you the best results. Our unique colour matching system gives a better match every time. Which is no doubt why almost every major car manufacturer in the world recommends Glasurit. King of the Booth.
Glasurit, 231-233 Newton Road, Wetherill Park NSW 2164 Australia Tel: 02 8787 0100 Fax: 02 8787 0133 www.glasurit.com.au