Silvers Motor Body Repairs

AWARDS 2007 AAMI

AAMI/AP&P AUTOBODY REPAIRER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL WINNER (LARGE SHOP) SA.
Silvers Motor Body Repairs
Silver's Motor Body Repairs is a classic story of a family's dedication to a cause leading to its present day success. The story began in Adelaide 1983 when brothers-in-law Tony Audino and Joe Rugari began a three man repair business in a rented shed. After a year they bought a small property in Katrina Street, Windsor Gardens. For several years they worked seven days a week, repairing anything that came their way. As they could afford it, they bought property either side of the original and now own a sizeable chunk of the street, including a hose across the road which is earmarked for development as a washing/detailing and storage area.
There are now 18 people on staff many of whom have been with Silver's for between 10 and 20 years. Several who left for various reasons have returned, obviously realising that Silver's is a good place to work. The company is keen to train its staff whenever possible and will participate in the I-CAR programs as they become available.
The company has commenced a major renovation and reorganising plan for the main buildings, admitting that time and additions have worked against the most efficient workflow. There will be new booths, replacing the current awkwardly positioned two Prinz, while the panel and paint sections will be separated to give jobs a more efficient passage through the shop. The external facade which currently covers only the left hand side of the building will be carried right across. Much of the work would have been already carried out, were it not for the obstructive attitude of the local council.
Among its excellent array of equipment, Silvers has a Globaljig, three Auto Robots, Techna Welders and recently the addition of three Monarch Fast Track prep stations which have increased output dramatically.
Quoting is done using Auto Quote (DNS) and the company recently adopted the Glasurit analysis and scheduling system that was launched earlier in the year.
About half the output of the shop's 30 to 35 cars a week are prestige cars. Silver's is a network repairer for Land Rover, Jaguar, MG, Alpha and Subaru, and does work for most of the major insurers.
One of the most valued Silver's staff members is Bert Mignone who has been an R & R specialist with the shop for 14 years. He began with the intention of doing a bit of cleaning up to pay for some repair work the shop had done for him. Then he, and the shop, discovered that he was a natural at remove and replace and he's been doing that ever since which has enabled panel beaters to get on with the work for which they were trained.

Powell's comment
Silver's is a quality, productive shop already but also a work in progress to become even better organised and more efficient. One of the best receptions I've seen.