Premier Panel Services
AAMI/AP&P AUTOBODY REPAIRER OF THE YEAR REGIONAL WINNER (NEW SHOP) SA
When Enrico and Liliana Colangelo started their family business more than 30 years ago, they would never have dreamed that both of their children, Paul and Olivia, would be running the business today.
The family has recently completed an extensive renovation of the premises, including an extension of the current panel shop as well as the building of a new, purpose-built office and administration centre on the site where the family home used to be.
Enrico believes that part of the success of the family business has included developing long-term professional relationships with many insurance companies, corporate companies and private customers.
Both he and Liliana have always believed that the reputation of the company is very much one of providing specialised, high quality service to their customers. Their long history is proof of the success of this approach, and Paul and Olivia are continuing this approach to business today.
The new facility features a modern reception area, a comfortable waiting area as well as facilities for clients, and offices. Upstairs is a separate office for administration work, and a large boardroom/training centre.
As well as the new administration centre for the business, the Colangelos have also extended the workshop area a further 350m2. This extensive under-cover area now provides extra work bays and a considerable amount of space where vehicles can be stored.
Even though Enrico is retired he still has an advisory role in the business and Liliana works behind the scenes in the financial and administration area.
Paul and Olivia are now managing the business. Paul has an engineering and management background and brings an enormous quantity of knowledge to the operations of the business. Olivia has a teaching and business background, and coordinates the financial and administration aspects of the company.
According to Paul, PPS is a prestige repairer with a Lexus repair approval, and turns over between 25 and 30 cars a week. Even though repeat customers form a large part of the customer base, the shop also undertakes insurance work for many insurance companies including Allianz, AAMI/Suncorp, RAA, Lumley, QBE, YOUi and CGU/IGA.
As well as the Colangelos, the repair shop has a workshop manager, a workshop foreman, four panelbeaters and one apprentice, two spray painters and an apprentice and a car detailer.
PPS is a quality approved member of the MTA Collision Repairer Division, and its approach is a key part of its commitment to quality assurance.
PPS features some of the latest in equipment including a Globaljig and Autorobot aligning systems, Atlas lifts and Cartar mobile hoists. Welding equipment includes a Gyspot 125L inverter sport welder and a DuoMig Auto.
There is a CMC booth and a Zodiac booth, separated by Zodiac prep bays which feature mobile IRT infrared. The paint mixing room features Sikkens paint system.
Quoting is done using PPG Business Manager and job scheduling is then run into Webtrim. This state-of-the-art program provides live information to management on current vehicle status and workshop operations while providing the employees with target times and incentives.
OH&S is monitored by Monit, they are presently eco-mapping the business and are working towards environmental accreditation through the MTA’s Green Stamp Plus Program.
The Colangelos continually provide further training opportunities for their employees, which has included I-Car training for the panel beaters in Adelaide and AkzoNobel training for the spray painters in Melbourne.
The family also has a commitment to the industry by employing and training apprentices to maintain the growth of qualified tradespeople. The company is also very proud of its current two apprentices receiving first and second place in South Australia for the Autobody Apprentice of the Year 2010.