JSR is a truly impressive bodyshop. The brainchild of Andrew and Angela Brownfield, it was manager Trent Magorey that showed us around.
There is stiff competition around Wangara, but Joondalup Smash Repairs (JSR) is very busy. It’s a purpose built modern shop with a striking aquamarine livery that is carried through in every aspect of the shop, from the two perfectly painted, liveried utes parked out front to the smart uniform and spotlessly clean 2000sqm workshop.
What strikes you first is the number of youngsters working away. Out of the 11 panel beaters and nine spray painters, six of them are apprentices. Judge Parris said a Joondalup Smash Repairs first year can have the skill sets of a third year.
Vaughan Anderson is the panel shop mentor and Dave McWilliam mentors in the paint shop and both enjoy instilling confidence and skills in the apprentices. Joondalup Smash Repairs apprentices regularly win awards, including three finalists in the 2011 World Skills competition with silver and bronze placings. It’s not just the apprentices that are in training: I-CAR courses, management, customer service and estimating seminars are among the staff development programs on offer. Regular ‘tool-box’ meetings are held with individual staff to oversee procedures and Thatchamnet is always available to ensure correct repair methods.
The staff facilities border on awesome. A huge staff room for the 32 employees includes a well kitted-out kitchen, an enormous television and a pool table.
The shop is exceptionally well organised. The barcode Webtrim system ensures every job is tracked and measured. Every painter has their own station and there are extra-long drive-through Lowbake ovens that can fit a car and extra panels, which cuts down on booth cycle times.
Repairs are undertaken to the left of the shop, with small stripping in the middle and 120 square metres of spares are located on the mezzanine with the preparation area underneath. At peak capacity, JSR can repair around 60 cars a week.
Joonalup Smash Repairs exudes professionalism – from its cheerful telephone hold message, its funky reception area, its efficient working practices and high equipment levels.
Its sustainable working practices are recognised by a level three MTA Green Stamp rating, but even more impressive is the working environment it has created.