Sterling Autobody Centers Opens New Store in California
On Jan. 25, Sterling Autobody opened a new, 12,000-square-foot repair facility in Oakland, Calif. The new location employs 15 technicians and front office staff. Sterling acquired the pre-existing building and renovated both the interior and exterior. Included is what Sterling says is a new, more customer-friendly office design featuring improved lighting, warmer tones and retail-like
ASA Seeks Participants for Feather, Fill and Block Time Study
The Automotive Service Association’s (ASA) Collision Division Operations Committee is continuing its study on time requirements to properly handle repairs, including ASA’s current feather, fill and block time study. “The issue of proper compensation for feather, fill and block continues to hamper the efficiencies of the repair shop and strain the relationship between the repairer
Chief Automotive Technologies Is Newest SCRS Corporate Member
The Society of Collision Repair Specialists (SCRS) announced that Chief Automotive Technologies has become an SCRS corporate member. The company, which first made its name in the collision repair industry with its Chief pulling system, is an equipment supplier with close to 40 years of experience serving the collision repair industry. Chief’s long-term presence serving
Presta Car No. 99 to Debut at Daytona this Weekend
Presta Products has partnered with Tifft Motorsports in the sponsorship of a car in the ARCA Racing Series’ Lucas Oil Slick Mist 200 at Daytona International Speedway on Feb. 6. The race will air live on SPEED channel at 4:30 p.m. EST. Behind the wheel of the Presta No. 99 car at Daytona will be
ABPA Advises Distributors to Pull All Untested Aftermarket Parts
The Auto Body Parts Association (ABPA) is recommending that member distributors review the properties and testing standards of all aftermarket structural parts they carry and to drop any parts that may not perform up to OEM standards in collisions. ABPA is also calling for a halt in production of any unproven parts. ABPA – which
Insurers Testify Against Body Shop Labor Rate, Supplement Bills in Massachusetts
The American Insurance Association (AIA) testified in opposition to several body shop-related bills at a hearing before the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Financial Services. The legislation, most of which had been filed in previous legislative sessions, centers around labor rates, repair parts, glass repair and other issues. Two bills focused on at the hearing included
Web-Est Contest Seeks Successful Body Shop Marketing Strategies
Web-Est is inviting auto body professionals to list their most successful marketing ideas to provide new ideas to the industry about effective marketing techniques. Web-Est customers will vote for the best ideas. With economic activity still lagging, Web-Est hopes this contest will provide readers with new ways to bring business to their shops. The top three
PBE Jobbers from Across the U.S. Share Strategies in ’20 Groups’
With one PBE Jobber 20 Group formed, another on the way and a third on the horizon, Square One Systems (SOS) continues to provide the collision repair industry with information-sharing opportunities. These PBE Jobber 20 Groups allow companies in the industry with similar business models to share information on how to improve their businesses. By
Sherwin-Williams Conference Focuses on Success in a Tough Economy
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes A-Plus Network recently held its Vision Group Conference at the Villas of Grand Cypress in Orlando, Fla. The conference provided the more than 60 collision shop owners and managers with training, top industry speakers and group breakout sessions, all with a focus on succeeding in a difficult economic climate. “2009 was a
Collision Instructor Pleads for Help in Saving Auto Body Program
A 57-year-old auto body program at a community college is in jeopardy of being shut down due to a lack of funds, and the head instructor is pleading with the collision repair industry to save it. Below is a personal letter from Rhody Hayes to the collision repair community: My name is Rhody Hayes and