Rob Blundell and Peter Case aim to set up a professional network of repair facilities in Perth. The opening of their third shop in Midvale has moved them one step closer to their goals.
The
pair both have a passion for a clean, lean and green approach to the
smash repair business and designed every aspect of the Midvale site with
sustainabily in mind. “The panel trade has had a dirty image for too
long,” Case says. “If it was my car
I wouldn't want it fixed in some
dusty shop full of spray painters with chest and skin problems. It's
all avoidable; creating a clean working environment is just plain common
sense.”
Bringing all the staff on board with sustainable working practices has been a bit of a challenge. Workshop employees who come to work inappropriately dressed, without protective clothing are sent home to get changed. If you don't wear your mask or respirator then you need to work somewhere else. As well as using Glasurit 90 Line waterborne paint, Platinum is part of the paint company's bodyshop emission program and contributes to Carbon Neutral Australia revegitation.
Energy efficient equipment like the two Boge frequency controlled screw compressors and new Lowbake direct fired ovens have been installed.
Carrying through the sustainable approach, Platinum is keen for staff to obtain as much training as possible though practical courses at TAFE.
Another big investment is the PlateTronic test track which tests brakes and wheel alignment giving a computer print out to both reassure the customer as a very welcome extra service and save time with difficult customers who might come back and say their car 'doesn't feel right'.
The 10 staff repair around 30 cars per week. There's a very smart customer cafe, large parts storage areas, a pleasant reception area in Platinum livery. The building is a modern, sharp design and its shops like this that help to raise the image of the industry to both customers and insurers.