Nova Smash Repairs
AWARDS 2005NORTON/AP&P BEST NEW BODYSHOP WA
Nova Smash Repairs
Sal Martino moved Nova Smash Repairs into a new shop last year because he'd run out of room in his 700 square metre old shop and he'd run out of patience having to spend six hours a day shuffling cars. But getting into his new 1300 square metre address was not easy either. The outgoing tenant was not ready to leave and so a smash repair business and a laundry ran like Siamese twins for a few weeks.
Now, happily, the shop has settled down to one of the smoothest running repairers we've seen. One reason for that is the intervention of Boss Australia in the person of Alan Shotton who has, Martino says, shown the way to improve repair turnaround from an average seven days to three and a half days ? with correspondingly improved profits.
Although there is only one entrance/exit to the shop, a logical, efficient workflow has been achieved. One side of the shop is devoted to disassembly, pulling (via a Blackhawk bench and Shark measuring system)and panel beating, while the other contains prep (rear exhaust filtration) and drive-through Seetal spray booth running Glasurit paint. From there cars are buffed in a specially lit and dedicated bay before they go offsite for detailing. Every car that is repaired by Nova gets a detail.
36 year old Sal Martino has infections enthusiasm for his shop. He insists it be kept spotless and that the technicians keep their equipment tidy. The Boss incentive system sees to it that they are focused on their work so that they can take advantages of the bonuses on offer to those that exceed targets.
Nova is not tied to any make of car or insurer as an approved repairer. Martino prefers to keep his options open. No one work provider accounts for more than 10 per cent of his business. He runs Auto Quote but, because of the delay in the changeover to windows, is trialling Motex. The shop is equipped with a drive-through Seetal oven and Festool dustless dry sanding.
The shop currently employs 11 people comprising three panel beaters (plus two apprentices) three painters and a production manager. Martino would like to increase it to around 15 ? which he regards as the shop's optimum operating level. But like many Perth repairers he can't get enough quality staff to do it. Apprentices will eventually become tradespeople, but he doubts they will replace those leaving the industry.
Nova is an up and coming repairer on the Perth scene. Its systems and the attitude of its management will enable it to maintain quality as it grows.
POWELL'S COMMENT
Sal Martino is going full steam ahead to achieve his goals ? backed by a degree in business management. This is a well equipped and efficient workshop ensuring good productivity.