Tony Farrugia Bodyworks
AWARDS 2005AAMI/AP&P AUTOBODY REPAIRER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL CO-WINNER (LARGE SHOP)NSW & ACT
Tony Farrugia Bodyworks
"I was born and bred in Canberra," Tony Farrugia says, explaining why he built one of Australia's best panel shops in the suburb of Fyshwick.
His panel shop is as big as it is immaculate, setting benchmarks in equipment, repair standards, staff care and presentation.
Before you enter the bright reception area (about to be enlarged and luxuriated in accordance with BMW style) you notice a monolithic sign listing the badges for which Farrugia is an approved repairer. They include Lexus, BMW, Subaru, Jaguar, Peugeot, Volvo, Saab, Porsche and Mercedes. Farrugia believes that you must have badge approval nowadays to survive ? even though it takes its toll in continuous training and investment in equipment.
He finds that the main insurers with whom he deals ? Allianz, Suncorp, IAG and AAMI ? invariably agree with the car makers' repair instructions ? even though there may be cheaper alternatives. After that, it is just a matter of agreeing on shop rate times which, because of his transparent system, seldom presents a problem. Because shop rates are based on a combination of work skills and equipment, Farrugia invests heavily in both. Equipment includes three ovens (two Lowbake and one Garmut), no les than 11 benches (Celette Griffon, and Car-o-liner), Naja measuring system, five prep bays with overhead IR curing, a dedicated aluminium repair bay, and Glasurit paint.
All this now fits more comfortably since recent extensions added a large rear section, meaning that the shop is never cluttered and cars are moved only to progress their repairs.
The appearance of the shop is like no other. Tools, equipment and consumables are stored behind walls or in special rooms. There is clever use of cupboards with sliding partitions.
Tony Farrugia spends a large part of his day on the floor, watching, thinking, perfecting. He often takes time off to 'go back on the tools' to repair a new model ? just so he'll understand it better next time.
The company moved to the current address in 1991 and added the new space only this year. Staff levels are around 24, of which seven are apprentices. In addition to six beaters and eight painters, there is a detailer and three in administration.
The company uses Auto Quote and there is an incentive scheme operating.
POWELL'S COMMENT
Here is benchmark for the Australian smash repair industry. Tony Farrugia's decision to expand has given him the means to realise a dream. They don't come much better.