North Williamstown Motor Body Works
AWARDS 2006 AAMI
AAMI/AP&P AUTOBODY REPAIRER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL WINNER (NEW SHOP) VIC.
North Williamstown Motor Body Works
12 months ago George Kallifidas was poised to take the next step in his smash repairer career. He had just completed his new shop in Maddox road, North Williamstown and was about to move from the quaint old shop he'd occupied in Railway Parade for 16 years. He has retained the old shop as backup in case of a demand spike.
After a eventful opening by the Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, the new shop is now in full swing ‘ but it still looks as clean and fresh as it did before the first car rolled in.
The new shop has brought with it an upturn in work ‘ much of it prestige ‘ and although the shop has not yet become a preferred repairer for any particular car makers, it is the kind of operation that will come to their attention for its presentation and quality of work. It has an elegantly appointed granite and tile reception and a model working area. The building was designed and purpose built by George and Mandy Kallifidas who had considerable experience in property development. Their skill shows in the finish and practicality of the project. And being a new shop, the latest EPA regulations, like a triple interceptor for car wash wast water, are in place.
The shop is built in two halves joined by an internal opening. On one side is reception and offices, with panel and alignment behind. It is equipped with three Car Benches comprising three small Marlins and one full size. All use electronic measuring. In this section there is also a selection of new welders, including two of the latest Prinz inverter spot.
Through the opening and into the other half of the building is prep and painting. It is equipped with two Lowbake ovens and prep bays with IRT drying. Choice of paint is Standox ‘ a long time favourite with Kallifidas who praises its customer service and in-house training.
The shop runs FlexiQuote which leads on to the company's own accounting and work scheduling programs. Currently it is finishing abut 25 cars a week with a total staff of 15. All staff are fully uniformed.
In addition to repeat work from satisfied customers, the shop gets a lot of its work from AAMI and some from RACV.
Now that George Kallifidas has set up and stabilised the business, he intends to work on its efficiency. He wants to standardise procedure in the shop so that one person can
POWELL'S COMMENT
This shop, considering its size, is brilliant in every respect. It is an efficient, professional operation producing high quality work. George Kallifidas made the right move at the right time.
