Sterling Autobody Centers announced the donation of autobody paint and materials valued at over $200,000 to 36 high schools, colleges and vocational programs. Sterling recently completed its network-wide conversion to AkzoNobel waterborne paint, resulting in a surplus of solventborne material such as toners, clears, hardeners and primers. The donation also included adhesives, abrasives and a host of other body materials. Trade and technical programs in 13 states benefited from the donations, which were facilitated by the I-CAR Collision Repair Education Foundation.
Sterling Vice President of Operations Bob Benjamin said, “Technicians are the lifeblood of our industry, and we are proud to support the many programs around the country responsible for their training and development. Donating our surplus paint and materials is the right thing to do for the environment, but more importantly, it’s an investment in our future and the future of the collision repair industry.”
Kenneth McMillian, instructor for the Collision Technology Program at Kennedy-King College in Chicago, said, “On behalf of Kennedy-King College and myself, I would like to thank Sterling Autobody for the generous donation. This donation will help enhance the quality of education for many of the students here at Kennedy King College. The staff here was almost in tears when they saw how much paint was donated. This will give our students who have a dream and desire to succeed in a career of automotive collision technology a fair chance to achieve those goals.”
Scott Kruger, executive director of the Collision Repair Education Foundation, added, “We have all witnessed the recent industry trends toward green technology, and Sterling’s donation is in keeping with these ‘green’ efforts by recycling their unused paint supplies. Rather than let this material go to waste, these supplies will be put to good use in teaching young men and women the skills needed to find a great career in the collision industry. Thank you to Sterling Autobody Centers for their efforts to help both the environment and collision repair schools.”
More information:
I-CAR Collision Repair Education Foundation
Sterling Autobody Centers
