Bodyshop News (December 01, 2000)

UAP Inc. and Carstar sign supply agreement

UAP Inc. and Carstar have announced an agreement that will supply collision repair shops with paint and bodyshop supplies as well as auto parts through the Montreal-based distribution organization.

Under the Partnership/Supplier Agree-ment, Carstar Collision Repair Centres will have access to source their paint and body-shop supplies as well as their automotive parts and accessories through the CMax and UAP/NAPA networks. Both companies view this agreement as the start of a significant and long-term strategic growth partnership.

“With an established Canadian network of over 80 locations and growing, Carstar is now recognized as a significant player with a solid future in the collision repair industry,” said Carman Bennett, UAP senior vice-president.

Larry Jefferies, executive vice-president operations for Carstar, confirms, “From our viewpoint, there is no question that UAP is a critical link in the total Canadian PBE supply chain and their goals are consistent with our views at Carstar. Their strategy to expand a new PBE store network called CMax, specializing in automotive refinish paint, bodyshop supplies and industrial paint products, is a perfect support vehicle to our goals.”

Established in Hamilton, Ont. in 1995, Carstar Automotive Canada is the Canadian master franchisor for the 240-branch North American Carstar network, with over 80 locations in Canada. The UAP’s CMax PBE network features DuPont refinish products and has the exclusive distribution right to Spies Hecker paint coatings. UAP Inc. is a member of the Genuine Parts Company group of companies headquartered in Atlanta, Ga.

PPG introduces co-brand marketing network for bodyshops

PPG Automotive Refinish is launching the CertifiedFirst Auto Body Repair Network, a new co-brand marketing program for U.S. and Canadian collision repair centers.

The objective of the network is to develop and promote an image of professionalism, quality and high customer satisfaction for participating collision centers.

PPG says the program is launching first in the U.S. market with Canada soon to follow. “We are in the final stages of modifying some components of the program to better meet the specific needs of Canada-based bodyshops,” says Mary Kimbro, director, Collision Center Programs for PPG Automotive Refinish. “Our intent is to make CertifiedFirst available to our Canadian customers during the latter part of the fourth quarter.”

Not a franchise program, CertifiedFirst is a network of independently-owned collision centers and dealership bodyshops. Shops will benefit from a complete marketing program designed to provide a competitive edge for its participants. According to PPG, participants must use a PPG or ICI Autocolor paint system and meet a set of high standards, based on factors like facilities, equipment, personnel, training and customer satisfaction. Only shops with high customer satisfaction index (CSI) scores will be eligible to participate. Participants must also conduct documented customer satisfaction surveys, and undergo inspection to verify that the facility meets program standards.

Canadian collision center owners seeking more information on the new co-branding program can access the CertifiedFirst website at www.certifiedfirst.com.

DuPont introduces new primer technology

A metal adhesion technology developed by DuPont has been formulated into a new Direct-To-Metal Primer/Sealer.

The product, which is said to provide outstanding adhesion and corrosion resistance, also reduces time-consuming steps, improving productivity and reducing costs of labor and material. Direct-to-Metal Primer/Sealer (2510S, 2540S, 2570S) eliminates metal sanding and provides exceptional adhesion over aluminum, stainless and galvanized steel surfaces. Incorporating the ValueShade feature, which reduces the number of color coats required by up to 50%, this fast dry primer also eliminates the need for metal conditioners, conversion coatings and wash primer.

Carsystem Acquires Distributor

Carsystem Group North America has announc-ed the acquisition of KemFit Distribution of Montreal.

KemFit has been the exclusive distributor for Quebec and the Atlantic Provinces for the past year. Former owner Andrew Kost will continue as president of the company.