Quality First Bodyshop Program - Seminar Report

On Thursday May 12th in conjunction with the Melbourne expo, Murray Howell the Global Services Manager for Valspar hosted a Quality First seminar aimed at preparing the bodyshop owners and managers for the speed of change in our increasingly competitive industry. The morning session was opened with Murray Howell addressing the attendees on the future of accident repairs in the Australian market.

The first guest presenter was of Mark Williams “Managing Director of Lowbake Australia” who went on to speak of his experience in the technologies of Gas fired Infra Red. Mark explained of Its benefits in increased speed and productivity and cost saving efficiencies. Second to present in the morning session was Rod McDougal who is leading the 10 point quality initiative for Insurance Group Australia. Rod spoke of the increasing demand for correct repair methods to ensure safety and quality of today’s repairs. This generated many questions from bodyshop owners, these were answered by Rod directly and transparently.

The afternoon session was kicked off with Asha Clarke Valspar Technical Service Manager Water Bourne and Compliant Systems. Her presentation included an overview of how simple the product is to use, but possibly of more importance how De Beer offer a complete consultation service prior to the installation of any Water Base system. Changing to water is not as scary as some may presume, however guidance and advice is a must for potential users to make the change with confidence. Asha emphasised that appropriate consideration must be given to all areas involving equipment, process and training to ensure a smooth "no surprises" transition can be made with relative ease. She also emphasised the ease of use that the De Beer water product offers over that if its competitors.

The last session of the day was Murray's presentation on Valspar Lean Six Sigma program, and the relevance that LSS has in today's collision repair industry for ensuring that the focus for the business owner is on maximising the resources and investment within the business. It is clear that the future for leading repairers, or those that see themselves as leading repairers need to adopt all of the assistance that programs like the Valspar Quality First program and initiative such as LSS offer in order to realise their future financial success. This session was particularly eye opening and certainly inspiring. Application of the methods that LSS offers will create a completely new culture and focus to any business, and it is applicable to all business.

The QF seminar was made up of like minded repairers and supply partners, and it is clear to see that the sharing of information and the focus that the program represents is obvious; these repairers are achieving far beyond what they would otherwise achieve if they had no guidance and assistance, nor the opportunity of collectively swapping their day to day ideas.