Nathans Prestige Auto Body Repairs
AWARDS 2005AAMI/AP&P AUTOBODY REPAIRER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL CO-WINNER (LARGE SHOP) NSW & ACT
Nathan?s Prestige Auto Body Repairs
One definition of the word 'energy' is Nathan's Prestige Auto Body Repairs in Sydney's Rouse Hill. The place runs like a power plant, with cars moving in a relentless stream from disassembly right through to the double green sticker that denotes 'ready for delivery' without back-tracking once. And at the heart of this incredibly efficient machine is Richard Nathan, with 51 years in the smash repair industry, bouncing around like a rubber ball as he moves among his technicians and clerical staff overseeing the business and continually trying to improve it. He is both intense and light hearted at the same time, passionate about the industry at large and ready to see the funny side when he says: 'ever seen a bloke clock on after he takes a pee? I haven't."
Clocking on at Nathans is more eager than at most shops. All technicians are on contract, consequently they are high earners and dedicated workers. They operate in teams, where they follow a car right through its repair process. One of the secrets of the Nathan operation is that it brings parts, consumables and equipment to the technicians. They get on with the job rather than walk about to locate what they need for the next phase of the repair. Trolleys loaded with what the technicians need are hauled by an electric car round the U shaped work track. A stand holding six bumper covers does the rounds. Nobody looks up to chat. It's all about quality and output.
Out of the 36 people working at Nathans two are production co-ordinators. It is their job to minimise how far technicians have to walk while on the job. Although Nathan's major equipment offers few surprises, there are many small pieces that are exclusive to the shop because they were invented there. Richard Nathan and his son Grant listen to ideas that come from the technicians ? who have a vested interest in better efficiency. Good ideas are rewarded.
Running parallel to the Lowbake ovens are seven prep stations with infrared curing and dust extraction. Again, the emphasis is on production, and anything that will save time without compromising quality.
The shop is a big hit specialist. When you have highly skilled teams of technicians able to concentrate on a job, it is more profitable that the job should be a big one. Nathan's will often send small jobs to other shops that suit their efficiencies.
POWELL'S COMMENT
Richard Nathan is passionate about his business and the industry at large. He has built a high production workshop without compromising repair standards. Although a showpiece, this is first and foremost a working business.