A smart, tidy shop which makes the best of it's 'skinny' shape and benefitting from the latest Symach drying technology.
This former gemini shop was renovated and an all-new Symach paint system put in along with a new management team, headed up by Graeme Smith the centre manager.
Unlike RPM's purpose-built facilities in Victoria, Peakhurst is an older shop. It's long and because of that looks narrow but actually there's plenty of space. The shop is extremely well organised, very tidy and despite the shape has a great workflow. Equipment is tucked away on the left hand side of the shop along with the parts carts which leaves a clutter free environment for the repair team to work in.
The team of three panel beaters, three spraypainters, Smith, a production manager and customer service officer (a title which does reflect the job better than 'receptionist') put out between 32 and 35 cars per week. The Symach dry box helps with volume and cycle times, the crew here are big fans calling it a 'wonderful bit of gear'. It can dry five bars at once which will be ready to fit in just 20 minutes.
Smith and his team are Green team in blue clothing and enjoy the career structure The Gemini/RPM group offers and the training available. Training includes OHS, environmental compliance Welding Plastic repairs structural steels Various paint training courses as well as management and leadership courses and Cert IV Business Diplomas.
Like many shops which have sound processes, there's a purposeful but relaxed feel around the workshop. RPM Peakhurt don't allow more than three days worth of work on site just enough to achieve good cycle times, ensuring that all parts are in before the car is worked on and keeping the back yard clear. They use visual mapping so everyone can see at a glance what is in scope.
The shop only has room for a couple of cars out front so the team had a ramp built a ramp to utilise roof space for extra parking for completed jobs.
RPM Peakhurst, apart from the shiny new Symach equipment, isn't a 'showroom' facility. Reception is tiny but presents the business as sharp and modern - the staff offices are very plain but do the job. What it demonstrates is that a lick of paint, great organisation, good processes, team culture and intelligent management can really turn a shop around.
This is a great example of new equipment, new procedures and processes in an old shop to regain a place in the new market.