GPI has a long history of supplying the collision repair industry, especially for all things related to painting. Now under new ownership, general manager Dean McKellar gets us up to speed.
GPI has benefitted from new ownership since 2022, a mix of management and external ownership who have invested in both the business and its team. We asked Dean McKellar to tell us about their plans for the business
“The new ownership of GPI is quite unique,” he said. “Alongside a consortium of experienced business owners and investors, several key managers from within the company have also taken a stockholding in the business. This mix of motivated external investment and experienced internal commitment ensures proficiency and a strong alignment with our long-term, customer-focused goals. Our vision is to continue to grow and expand GPI's capabilities while maintaining our reputation for quality, innovation and high customer service. We are particularly focused on enhancing and extending our product range and investing in new and advanced technologies to better serve the collision repair industry.”
The business is fortunate to have retained many talented and experienced team members.
“Our leadership team is comprised of a strong group of seasoned professionals with extensive experience across the automotive and parts distribution industry and strengthened by our team’s decades of expertise in the collision repair sector. GPI has been fortunate to develop and retain key staff across our sales, product, operations and administration support team with many having 20+ years of commitment to support our GPI customers. Names that would be familiar to our customers are people of the quality of Gary, Daryl, Bernie, Phil, Julian, Peter, Colin, Tash, Annette, Edmund, Wayne, Shane, Tony, Anna, Damien, Richard, Evie, Lance and Sue, just to name a few of our team who all have vast experience and industry knowledge. This ensures that our leadership team is well-equipped to drive GPI Automotive forward.”
The number of product lines carried by GPI is mind boggling but there is still an appetite to grow its industry offering.
“GPI plays a vital role in supporting the collision repair industry by importing and distributing a range of the world's leading brands,” McKellar said. “While we are the exclusive Australian distributor of several market-leading brands, we also source high-quality products from across the globe to import under our own brands to give our customers high quality, great value products. Our product offering includes masking tapes, abrasives, and body fillers as well as aerosol can systems, paint shop accessories, spray guns and workshop equipment. All essential supplies for repair and refinishing tasks. Our products are distributed through a network of GPI wholesale operations located in each state across Australia. These are set up to support a loyal and trusted network of distributor partners, making our products easily accessible to the collision repair industry in Australia.”
Development in staff and stock control are just some of the improvements GPI has been working on.
“Under the new ownership we've increased our commitment to growing and developing our staff, significantly increased our commitment to stock availability and we are working to drive innovation in our processes and technologies to support our customers’ businesses.” McKellar said.
“I would like to emphasise our commitment to our customers and the collision repair industry as a whole. At GPI, we are dedicated to continuing to deliver the highest quality products and services. We understand the challenges that collision repair professionals face, and we strive to provide solutions that make their jobs easier and more efficient. The GPI Automotive team is always here to support our customers. We are excited about the future and look forward to continuing to innovate and grow with our customers."
This article was first published in Paint & Panel magazine July/August 2024 issue.