Spot-On
Squeeze Type Resistance Spot Welding (STRSW) offers many advantages over MIG welding. But there are pitfalls to watch out for, which I have painfully experienced myself so you don’t have to.
No Hassle Welding
The Pulse MIG 285 is pre-programmed for quick setup and equipped with a push-pull MIG gun for trouble-free welding. It’s also ideal for MIG brazing and is approved by Ferrari, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, Kia and Ford. Visit www.cebotechusa.com.
ASA Honors Member Achievements at “Celebration of Excellence”
The Automotive Service Association (ASA) held its annual “Celebration of Excellence” May 3 at the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara, Calif. The special awards dinner honors the achievements of ASA members and its industry partners. Bill Haas, AAM, ASA’s vice president of education and training, hosted the program, which opened with the introduction of ASA’s
Opening of North Carolina Shop to Showcase Lean, DCR Systems
Mentor, Ohio-based DCR Systems and Mike Johnson’s Hickory Toyota joined forces last year to build a state-of-the-art, 12,000-square-foot accident repair center near the dealer’s Hickory property. Featuring DCR’s patent-pending lean-based production process, Mike Johnson’s Collision Center opened to the public March 28. The grand opening of the center on June 11 will feature a ribbon-cutting
State Farm to Expand Electronic Parts Ordering Program
State Farm Claims Consultant George Avery announced last Friday that the insurance company has decided to expand its electronic parts ordering process that it had only previously been pilot testing. State Farm began the pilot test in certain markets in San Diego, Calif. and Indianapolis, Ind. in late 2007 but will now expand it over
Implementing Lean
An increasing number of body shops are eyeing lean manufacturing processes as a solution to their business woes. How do you implement such processes in a collision repair setting and break out of the “old way”? Here’s a step-by-step guide.
I-CAR to Cover Emerging, Future Industry Trends at Meeting
The 2008 I-CAR International Annual Meeting will be an opportunity for the industry to not only provide feedback to I-CAR, but also receive firsthand information from a number of vehicle manufacturers and other organizations covering emerging technologies and trends within the industry. The meeting’s agenda includes several first-time presenters and technical information exclusive to attendees.
Replacement VIN/Certification Labels
ECS Automotive is a licensed manufacturer of reproduction certification/ VIN labels for GM and Ford through the 2000s. Other available manufacturers include Chrysler, Toyota and Honda. Body shop discounts are offered, and express shipping is in-cluded. Call (636) 368-7641.
Coaching the Shop Team
The manager of an Indianapolis collision repair facility benefits from a positive outlook and a customized management system.
A Lean Transformation
The New Year brought us another opportunity to transform an existing body shop from the traditional way to a better, process-centered way. So we ripped off the Band-Aid and got started.
