For over seven decades, Muirs Prestige Smash Repairs has been in business on Parramatta Road, on the outskirts of Sydney. Celebrating 73 years since its establishment, Peter Lake and Gerry McGillicuddy are determined to continue their reputation of providing high quality services at affordable costs.
The pair have substantial industry knowledge from their varied backgrounds, Gerry started his working life as a tow truck driver and Peter as a panel beater. This know-how has been essential to keep up with the demands of a changing industry. "The industry used to be profitable, but now to make it profitable you have to work smart,“ said Gerry. "We schedule our work the right way and purchasing has to be spot on."
After Peter and Gerry purchased the business in 2017, they invested a substantial amount of money to increase the workflow of their facility, including a new concrete floor, new offices and staff facilities. They also invested in a baslac refinish system, a brand of BASF. "Using a quality paint system that you don’t have to worry about, that’s why we choose baslac," said Gerry. "It’s increased the profitability through the paint job, reduced the amount of material use and we are making a profit instead of a cost.“
While Peter and Gerry may agree to disagree about the future of the industry with varying opinions on the impact that autonomous cars will have on future careers, one thing they both agree on is the need for skilled labour. "It’s a complex industry now, people don’t realise the amount of work that goes into the electronic components of the modern car," said Gerry.
They also agree that having great supply partners is imperative in a changing industry. What makes a supply partner great? "Reliability and technical support. We have both".
baslac is helping hundreds of bodyshops in Australia and New Zealand to become more effective by using the baslac refinish system. Discover how baslac can reduce your paint refinish costs by contacting (02) 8787 0100.