AkzoNobel Launches UV LED Spray Gun
Co-developed by AkzoNobel’s Car Refinishes businesses, the company’s UV LED spray gun – being introduced to the European market this month – ensures a nearly instant cure of the company’s Sikkens Autoclear UV clearcoat, the company says. The gun has energy-efficient UV LEDs (ultraviolet light emitting diodes) fitted around the spray nozzle, allowing the curing
Sherwin-Williams Hosting EcoLean Workshop in Las Vegas
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation (SWAFC) announced it will hold a second A-Plus University EcoLean workshop at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, June 9-10, 2009. The EcoLean workshop has been developed for collision shop owners and managers who are interested in leveraging the power of lean production as well as business solutions that reduce environmental waste.
Georgia Labor Rate Survey Results Released
The Georgia Collision Industry Association (GCIA) recently released the results of its 2009 labor rate survey. Almost 300 shops answered the survey, sharing how much they would need to charge to turn a profit. GCIA Executive Director Howard Batchelor said he believes the rates collected by the GCIA are skewed lower than they should be
CARSTAR Offers 10 Tips to Surviving in Today’s Economy
With the economy struggling mightily, CARSTAR has released 10 action steps it’s advising its stores and other collision repair facilities to take to survive and hopefully thrive during tough times. “Store owners should be making every effort to tighten their belts and reduce overhead, which is absolutely essential considering all the margin squeezes we
AkzoNobel Gains Global Approval from KIA Motors Corporation
KIA Motors has awarded AkzoNobel Car Refinishes the opportunity to be its first globally approved aftermarket supplier. AkzoNobel will now be able to offer its full range of car refinishes products to all KIA Dealers’ body and paint departments. The two companies also announced that AkzoNobel Car Refinishes will provide training to KIA dealers and
Sherwin-Williams Offering Lean Training and Services
Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation (SWAFC) is introducing EcoLean, a suite of training and services combining lean production and green business practices. SWAFC says EcoLean will help shops become more profitable through the reduction of waste. The program will include EcoLean training workshops, consulting services and a shop assessment. The soon-to-be released assessment is designed to
Advanced Waterborne
The HYDROLUX waterborne system delivers the speed, color accuracy and ease of use that shops need to ensure profitability. It features ultra-fast drying times, seamless integration with ChemSpec’s color tools and competitive pricing. Full coverage is achieved in just two coats, blending is easy and the system is fully compatible with primers, clearcoats and other
Plan for Success
A football team wouldn’t walk on the field without a game plan. Why would you run your shop without a business plan?
Laser in on Measuring
Would you construct a new home on a foundation built on a fault line? What about a foundation made from recycled milk cartons or popsicle sticks? If you answered “no” to these questions (and hopefully you did), then ask yourself why a technician would repair a damaged vehicle without first knowing that the frame was structurally sound and in proper alignment?
AkzoNobel Appoints Services Managers for U.S. Markets
AkzoNobel announced the appointment of Barry Rinehart and Scott Wheeler to the positions of services managers for the Eastern and Western U.S. markets, respectively. These appointments solidify the company’s commitment to the industry in the areas of knowledge and process management, AkzoNobel says. “The profitability of our customers through more efficient practices has been one