Bodyline Motor Body Repairers has been turning out quality repairs for 32 years.
This busy city shop in Kogarah, a member of AARN, employs all the latest repair and business methods and has a talented, enthusiastic team.
We were shown around the workshop by manager Craig McGregor, who has since become a 50 percent partner with business founder Alan Jones.
Like most city shops, the shop layout isn't ideal, with a separate paint shop next door to the panel shop, however this well-organised business turns out around 25 cars a week, making the best of space constraints.
However, plans are under way to expand and improve layout and workflow. Still, those 25 repairs are achieved by four panel beaters, two spray painters, two apprentice painters, a detailer and a general hand, so the team don't let the size of the shop slow them down.
In the smart reception area are framed photographs of all the staff and what their roles are, which is a nice personalising touch for the customer, who isn't likely to meet more than one or two of the team, but can see who will be working on their car.
Upstairs is a small waiting area with many framed qualifications and certificates the staff have attained.
The shop draws its work from a variety of sources. It has a self-assessing status with Youi, which the team finds very efficient, they are also Lumley, Wesfarmers and Coles preferred, plus Progressive Direct.
They service several corporate fleets, as well as carrying out repairs for local dealerships.
The staff are committed to keeping up with the latest repair techniques, attending I-Car courses, paint training and encouraging in-house training from suppliers. The shop also uses Thatcham repair methods.
Looking to the future, there are always apprentices in the business learning the trade and Bodyline also offers work experience to youngsters.
Bodyline is another success story for the Sikkens Acoat program and is also Green Stamp approved to level three.
With an eye on the bottom line, the staff repair as much as they possibly can and the shop also offers alloy wheel repairs.
Bodyline uses the AARN /Monit health and safety system. Workshop progress and workflow is monitored by DNS .
Bodyline has enjoyed an excellent reputation for many years, however Jones is looking firmly to the future. “We aim to become 'badged up' and see opportunity for growth. I believe that the future is bright for small shops like us, who are doing things right. We have the ability to be different and to stand out in the crowd,” Jones says.
Powell’s comments
An older workshop but filled with the right equipment and skilled staff, plus plans and procedures in place to cater for the future.