AkzoNobel announced that 2016 marks the 40th anniversary of the company’s Acoat Selected network of body shops.

AkzoNobel pioneered the idea of a premium body shop network in the 1970s when it established Acoat Selected as a business improvement program for customers of Sikkens, one of AkzoNobel’s premium vehicle refinishes brands. Its members, which include both independently owned body shops and body shop groups, are recognized as repair industry leaders, advancing their own performance and that of the industry as a whole.

Today, Acoat Selected is an international organization with multiple country and regional networks working to strengthen vehicle refinishing businesses across the globe. Over the years, members have benefited from training on the latest technology and processes, meeting key industry partners and work providers, as well as sharing valuable knowledge and experiences. This has helped them build more sustainable repair shops, whose quality and reliability is underpinned by their Acoat Selected certification.

“We set up Acoat Selected to help Sikkens customers expand their customer base,” said Simon Parker, managing director of AkzoNobel’s Vehicle Refinishes business. “The fact that it is getting stronger and stronger today demonstrates our ongoing commitment to body shop performance, enabling improvements to be achieved through true partnership.

“AkzoNobel is far more than just a coatings supplier. The longevity of Acoat Selected shows how involved we are in the challenges that face our customers. The network has helped us to work closer with Sikkens customers to create the essential products and processes for the future of the industry.”