Koudsy to open BMW shop on Sydney's north shore
IN A MAJOR move in the Sydney auto repair industry, Lee Koudsy has added a $10 million BMW repair centre to his existing prestigious LSR bodyshop facility.
Preferred BMW repair work will be carried out exclusively in the new shop. It will initially employ between 15 and 30 technicians, depending upon demand.
Koudsy is already a significant prestige repairer through LSR Autobody which grew out of Lee Smash Repairs. The Hotham Parade, Artarmon, shop, itself less than three years old, is a glamorous specialist repairer for Mercedes, Ferrari, Maserati and Porsche.
The new shop, also in Hotham Parade, resulted from negotiations between BMW and Koudsy. It is currently being fitted out to comply with BMW's requirements in building materials, colours and customer presentation. Koudsy says he is excited about the new workshop. It is to be called Northshore Collision Centre.
Koudsy had been interested in setting up a repair facility for BMW since the closure of Alto BMW on the Pacific Highway at Artarmon over a year ago. Once the deal was closed with BMW he has overseen the construction of a modern glass and concrete structure with a large repair area and a boutique restaurant – one of the first such eateries attached to a bodyshop – certainly in NSW.
Artarmon is a gathering place not only for bodyshop workers but also for white collar workers attached to a growing office workforce in the area. Koudsy and Terry Feehan of Sydney Automotive Paints and Equipment have been in negotiation for the supply of the latest repair equipment to satisfy Koudsy's and BMW's needs.
It is well known that BMW bodyshops demand the highest standards and those nominated by BMW for repair services must meet the company's equipment levels to achieve preferred status.
The Koudsy shop has dedicated clerical and office facilities as well as an immense underground parking area. While Koudsy's other shop, LSR Autobody, has substantial parking the new shop will have substantially more.
On the equipment side, Koudsy will use a top-of-the-range Griffin-Celette bench and two Carbenches. There will be two Lowbake ovens and infra red fitted prep bays. There will also be the latest Megatronic aluminium welders, three hoists and two Kaiser compressors.
BMW approved Elektron Multispot spot welders and the latest rivet guns are also part of the equipment line-up. Measuring will be done by Naj equipment from Celette.
In terms of paint, Koudsy is happy with Glasurit and will use it for refinishing in both LSR and Northshore Collision Centre. Business levels for the centre are expected to expand quickly, being strategically placed on Sydney's lower North Shore where BMW owners abound. The shop may also repair MINIs.