AkzoNobel says 160 attendees representing 140 businesses from both car and commercial sectors gathered Feb. 17-19 at the Renaissance Worthington Hotel in Ft. Worth, Texas, for the Sikkens Acoat selected Winter National Performance Group meeting (NPG). This meeting marked the 16th annual gathering. It is the first of two NPG events annually hosted by AkzoNobel.
A number of shared business practice classes were conducted. A key focal point for the meeting was the issue of sustainability. Emphasis was placed on the growing importance of elevating awareness of business practices that can not only have an effect on the profitability of collision repair operations but also the environmental wellbeing of both local and global communities.
Other pertinent topics included using social media to market a business and an overview of the new HAPS VOC regulations detailing implications and actions required from shop owners pertaining to those regulations.
In keeping with the “real world” focus of the Acoat selected program, two shop tours were conducted.
Park Place Bodywerks of Dallas hosted the group for a tour of its 87,000 square foot facility, which generates in excess of $1.5 million in monthly collision repair sales.
Representatives from International Truck Group toured the International Truck facility in Garland, Texas.
“Acoat selected, for over 25 years, has attempted to raise awareness and provide solutions to critical industry issues,” Tim Loden, director of marketing for AkzoNobel Car Refinishes Americas, said. “The need for advancing sustainable business practices is rapidly moving from concept to reality. The cause of making sustainability real and achievable for the collision repair industry will be a driving ambition in the future initiatives of AkzoNobel.”
More information:
• AkzoNobel Announces First Half 2010 Process Centered Environments Boot Camp Schedule
• AkzoNobel Product Showcase: Disposable Pretreatment Wipe for Metals
