New Parts Distributor to Open Sixth Location in September
Insignia Parts Distributors, LLC, a newly established, family-owned and operated, Florida-based distributor of aftermarket collision parts and accessories, announced it will open its sixth location in Atlanta, Ga., in September. “With nearly 30 years of experience in the auto aftermarket business, I think it’s fair to say that this is more than just an occupation
Heat Aluminum or Steel
The INDUCTOR PRO MAX4 is the only commercial-grade induction heating tool with a two-year warranty and the capability of heating aluminum or steel. It operates on only 120 volts/20 amps. It comes with “U-Series” attachments such as the Glass Blaster and Concentrator molded in high-temp, impact- and chemical-resistant epoxy poly- mers. Visit www.theinductor.com.
CCC Featured Guest on Next CREW Webcast
Collision Repair Executive Webcast (CREW) has announced that the special guests for the Thursday, July 23rd session will be three representatives of CCC Information Services Inc.: Jim Dickens, general manager and senior vice president of the Automotive Services Group, Susanna Gotsch, director/industry analyst, and Mark Fincher, vice president of market solutions. Dickens, Gotsch and Fincher
State Farm Ends Electronic Parts Ordering Requirement for California, Indiana Shops
State Farm sent out an e-mail this week to its Select Service shops in Indiana and California stating that, effective July 13, 2009, it would no longer require those shops to use its electronic parts ordering system, which it had been testing since 2007. State Farm Consultant George Avery said that this decision shouldn’t be
I-CAR Names New Regional Managers
I-CAR recently announced the establishment of six regions in the United States that will replace the organization’s current three-zone structure to provide enhanced leadership and support for I-CAR training. The organization has named six people to fill its newly-created Regional Manager roles for the not-for-profit training organization beginning Aug. 1. The new Regional Managers will
Economy Hurting A/M Parts Suppliers As Well As OEMs
Considering the financial troubles the Detroit Three are having, dealership closings and reports of parts delays from collision repairers, one might assume that aftermarket crash parts suppliers are trying to seize the opportunity and increase market share. But it appears as though the poor economy has impacted them, too, and any benefit from the OEM
Progressive Relationship Improving, Say Repairers at Midwest Collision Forum
The working relationship between Progressive and collision repairers is improving. At least that was the general consensus among repairers who attended the 4th Annual Midwest Collision Forum in Columbia, Mo. Chris Andreoli, corporate claims process manager for Progressive, addressed the insurer’s new claims initiative and other concerns. According to one observer, most participants seemed to
TECH FEATURE: Brazing is Back
With its small heat affect zone (HAZ), MIG brazing has become the procedure of choice when recommended for high-strength steels.
New York Department of Environmental Conservation Offers Help for Body Shops
To help automobile body shops prevent pollution and “green” their operations, the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) created manuals – “The Environmental Compliance Guide for Auto Body Shops” and “Environmental Report Packet for Auto Body Shops” – and has scheduled a series of workshops to help shops capably meet environmental reporting requirements.
Repairers Expect Parts Delays in Wake of GM Dealership, Warehouse Closings
Collision repairers say they’re bracing for part order delays in the wake of GM’s bankruptcy filing Monday. The company’s Service and Parts Operations (SPO) announced this week that it will cease operations at three parts distribution centers in Boston, Mass., Columbus, Ohio, and Jacksonville, Fla., by Dec. 31, 2009. The company has also informed more