Gemini network continues expansion

Gemini Accident Repair Centres (ARC), the repair network set up in Australia in 2009 by the Hopkins brothers from the UK, has expanded into the regional market of far-north Queensland. This brings the Gemini ARC total to 18 shops across four states.

Gemini operations director Joe Walsh said: “As there was limited repair capacity available in the area, Gemini was able to secure supply contracts in Cairns, Townsville and Mackay prior to the search for suitable premises.” Over the last six months Gemini has acquired and established Gemini Cairns (formerly AAA panel works) , Gemini Townsville (formerly Kev Douglas Crash repairs) and Gemini Mackay (formerly Austrucks).

Walsh said: “Following takeover, we have made substantial investments in equipment and workshop layout to ensure smooth workflow and the right tools to do the job.

The challenge of securing a skilled workforce has been accomplished with a healthy mixture of local staff topped up with senior management and skilled tradesmen sourced from overseas recruitment.

As Gemini still has many UK ties, it has direct access to the UK repair market. With the ability to personally interview and assess staff prior to the visa process, the company reports an exceptionally high success rate with staff recruited in this manner.

Walsh said: “Parts procurement is also in focus. We support local dealers and our network is backed up by Gemini’s buying power in south-east Queensland, which will give the new shops additional avenues to parts availability not available to existing repairers in the area.

“The move will still be a great challenge, but historically Gemini has taken on such challenges and has never been found wanting – we see no reason why this will be any different.”

Gemini is also building three new repair facilities in the Perth which open in January.  The company says its professional image and commitment to green processes allowed it to gain planning consent on the first premises when other applications had failed in similar circumstances.

Walsh concluded: “Future expansion is expected in all states in the coming years with Gemini looking to secure a truly national network with single private ownership, giving it a unique position in the Australian market. Work suppliers and clients can now sit down at the one table and discuss ‘national’ solutions to multiple issues in multiple states, the efficiencies involved, I believe, are beneficial to all parties.”