Fixwell Smash Repairs in Melton is a stunning example of a one stop repair shop. Owner Victor Mercieca had a vision for this huge facility – 1.3 acres of shop floor– which he has fully achieved.
Built during the downturn, the shop opened at the beginning of 2011. Nothing is outsourced except glass work.
As well as heavy hit repairs, predominantly for Suncorp, Fixwell offers air conitioning, servicing, wheel alignment, tyre fitting, car hire, courtesy cars, towing and dismantling.
Mercieca designed and oversaw the build of the Melton mega shop himself from its marbled reception floors and kid’s play area in the airy reception to the cavernous cleverly laid out workshop, and the showroom which showcases his collection of cherished cars the business has restored.
The exterior is smart and modern with all the services offered written in large lettering on the building for people driving by. There is large car park at the front too clearly signed and lined.
The paint shop has Seetal drive-through booths, there's a separate prep bay for body sanding and plastic repairs as well as the prep bays opposite the spraybooths.
The staff office opens out into reception and the workshop - Mercieca has considered every detail to achieve maximum efficiency.
Behind the workshop is a large detailing area and a vast parts storage area and then out the back is another huge area to store all the tow-ins and write-offs.
The shop has excellent processes and OH&S procedures. There are approximately 40 staff at Fixwell who can enjoy the excellent staff amenities, high levels of training and as much work as they can handle.
This busy shop has an impressive two-week cycle time for heavy hits and repairs around 29 cars per week. Despite being flat out with over 100 cars on site at any one time, Mercieca still markets his business with local advertising and sponsoring sports teams. Fixwell is also an AARN member.
What impressed the judges is Mercieca's great business sense, work ethic and his vision. He saw that insurers and customer expectations had risen and took the opportunity to take his business to the next level.
He's also left himself room to expand the business as the area around Melton becomes more populous.
It has also occurred to Merciecia that as accident rates inevitably drop with the increase in vehicle safety systems, it’s smart not to put all your eggs in one basket. With all the services his business offers it should continue to be as busy and successful as it is now, well into the future.
Powell’s comments
Fixwell is a huge repair facility built on well thought out plans and comprehensively equipped with technical and mechanical equipment, truly making it a one stop shop for all automotive repairs.