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Archive for the ‘Equipment’ Category

Progress in Heavy-Duty & Medium-Duty Collision Repair Continues

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The HD Repair Forum is gearing up for one of its largest events in the program’s history, April 18th-19th, in Fort Worth, Texas. Early registration numbers are higher than normal driven by a session line-up that covers topics such as addressing the technician shortage, improving profitability, and handling new vehicle technology during repair. “We are also very excited to announce two new OEMs, who are participating for the first time this year,” stated Jennie Lepore, HD Repair Forum’s Communications Director.

MCI representative Tim Barnes, will take the stage on Tuesday, April 18th to discuss how to access repair information, find parts, and  share opportunities for engagement with the OEM. Presenting on the main stage Wednesday, April 19th, is Prevost’s Robert Hitt, who will explain the advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features common to their latest vehicles and underscore proper repair.

OEMs like Navistar will continue their long standing involvement with the forum and deliver information about new vehicle technology. Component suppliers like Bendix, whose ADAS technologies are embedded within a wide range of vehicle makes and models, will supply attendees with need-to-know education that will help prepare the industry for more complex repairs.  And 3M, AkzoNobel, Axalta Coating Systems, Evercoat, I-CAR, PPG, and TEXA will also deliver educational seminars throughout the two day event. Their support of the market and year-around efforts to provide solutions for this industry has been pivotal to improvements in the marketplace. To see the full agenda go to www.hdrepairforum.com/agenda

“We are encouraged by the level of engagement from so many of the industry’s leaders. As the market continues to evolve there is an even greater need for collaboration among stakeholders, and the HD Repair Forum is the perfect conduit.” stated Brian Nessen, co-founder of the HD Repair Forum.

Registration for the event is open and provides attendees with discounted hotel rates at the Hilton Fort Worth. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration/

Companies interested in getting more involved in the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Jennie Lepore JennieL@hdrepairforum.com or Brian Nessen BrianN@hdrepairforum.com for more information.

HD Repair Forum Opens Registration for 2023 Collision Conference

Posted by Jennie Lepore

On April 18th & 19th, 2023, members of the heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair industry will travel from all parts of North America to hear the latest information on collision industry trends and how technology is redefining the industry.

The two day conference returns to the historic Hilton in downtown Fort Worth, Texas and will follow a similar format as in years past, with presentations and panel discussions involving OEMs, repair experts, insurers, and other collision industry leaders. Unique to the event are a diverse set of focused learning tracks, providing more in-depth information on topics that address the industry’s repair demands and business growth opportunities.  

Similar to previous Heavy-Duty Repair Forums, the advisory board plays a critical role in developing the agenda, speakers, and content. Rodney Rowland,  Body shop manager at Lakeside Trucks in Wisconsin, “I’ve been attending the HD Repair Forum since its inception in 2018. It has become the place for the leaders in the industry to gather to share knowledge, identify trends, and drive improvement for the entire  industry.”

The HD Repair Forum is the only collision-focused event for heavy-duty and medium-duty repairers, making it a must-attend event for collision shop owners, managers, lead technicians and estimators. These stakeholders and other industry partners including executives from OEMs, insurance and appraisal companies will also not want to miss this exclusive, once-a-year in-person opportunity to gather information, network with peers and business partners, and better equip their business for the  challenges experienced by everyone in the market. 

Registration for the event is now open. Early registration discounts and group hotel rates are available for a limited time. To access registration and gather more information go to hdrepairforum.com/event-registration/

Companies and organizations interested in sponsoring the industry’s only collision-focused event may reach out to Brian Nessen @ BrianN@hdrepairforum.com or Jennie Lepore, formerly Lenk, @ JennieL@hdrepairforum.com.

HD Repair Forum Fall Conference to Tackle Industry’s Biggest Challenges

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The Fall HD Repair Forum will take place September 26th and 27th and it will address the industry’s biggest challenges including staffing issues, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), electric vehicle repair information, new model vehicle technology advancements, and more. The complete agenda can be found here.

The advancement and adoption of electric vehicles and ADAS continues to evolve. As their presence and complexity in the industry grows, it is the HD Repair Forum’s mission to make sure the heavy-duty and medium-duty collision repair industry is prepared to handle and repair these vehicles for safe and proper repair.

Taking the stage in September is a well-known list of companies, organizations, and industry experts who will provide education, training, and insight on these key topics. Organizations represented include: Bendix Commercial Vehicle Systems, Big Rig Alignment, Ford, Great Dane, I-CAR, the RV Dealers Association, Penske, Progressive and many others.

The HD Repair Forum will take place alongsideTMC’s 2022 Fall Meeting and National Technician Skills Competitions, which offers attendees a chance to participate in both events. Those involved in heavy-duty & medium-duty collision repair looking to prepare yourself, your team, and your business for growth and success should make plans and head to Cleveland.

For more information on the organization, event educational sessions, and industry resources sign-up for our e-communications
To register for the event, visit the HD Repair Forum website or go here

SCA Appraisal Sending Free PPE and Speeding Appraiser Pay in Advance of COVID-19 Spikes

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Burbank, CA – In anticipation of an accelerating spike in COVID-19 cases and in the interest of safety for its nearly 800 franchise and network appraisers, SCA appraisal has launched a second round of up to $25,000 of complimentary COVID-19 PPE directly to field appraisers as an effort to mitigate potential exposure to COVID-19 and mitigate any possible exposure to clients.  Additionally, SCA is accelerating pay to appraisers and increasing the frequency of payments to help assist with any financial challenges associated with potential shutdowns.

“As a society and as businesses, we learned a lot about the impact of CVID-19 spikes and related shutdowns throughout 2020.  SCA wants to ensure we are doing all we can to promote safety and assist with financial stability in the event the increased COVID-19 cases being reported nationally translate into further business disruption.”, says Timothy Davis, Jr., president of SCA Appraisal.  “Nothing is more important to us here at SCA than our people, our franchise network and our clients’ vehicle owners.  The PPE and accelerated compensation is our small way of cementing the commitment to the industry that SCA has proudly-served for over 40 years.”

“For our franchise and network partners, getting them paid is more important now than ever and SCA has committed resources to expediting these payments.”, states Monica Warner, CFO.  “We know times may have been tight for some in the industry and we are proud to be able to extend payments faster than ever.”

Additional information regarding this program can be obtained by visiting SCA’s dedicated website at:  http://sca.claims/ppe

For inquiries:
Phil Langley
plangley@sca-appraisal.com / 214-914-0187

SCA Distributes Over $30,000 Worth of PPE Appraiser Safety Kits Free to Industry

Posted by Jennie Lepore

Burbank, CA – In a period of 10 days, SCA Appraisal has delivered 550 Appraiser Safety Kits at no cost to members of the industry including independent appraisal suppliers, SCA franchise owners and even competitors.  “The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted our entire industry and we wanted to do something to give back to those folks who make it happen every day,” says Tim Davis, Jr., president of SCA Appraisal. “We put out notice via social media about the kits and within 5 days we had requests for over 500. https://www.facebook.com/scaappraisal/videos/542225729776383/?d=n

“I am proud of how our team mobilized to get them out within days and the testimonials have flooded my inbox.”  

Each kit contains PPE including gloves, masks, and sanitizer spray with a value of over $65. “I contract with several Appraisal Companies and no one stepped up to bat to help keep us safe the way SCA did!  Not only did I receive increased compensation & bonuses for putting myself into harm’s way, but they also sent me the supplies I needed and could not get anywhere locally,” wrote Leo Slosser of West Coast Appraisers. “Thank you SCA for the awesome masks, gloves, wipes & sanitizer you sent me!  I was getting worried I would not be able to find anymore and BOOM! Delivered.”

Another appraiser, Jimmy Wessel of Tulsa, OK sent a note after receiving the PPE. “During COVID SCA provided quick and proper guidance to protect the employee, shops, & owners we deal with on a daily basis. Trying to locate items locally was a nightmare. In an unprecedented time SCA was able to communicate to us not only the procedures, but provide the masks, gloves, & sanitizer we very much needed.”

As a leading independent appraisal company, SCA is committed to the well-being of its franchise and supplier network, which includes the safety of appraisers, vehicle owners and shop personnel.  “As a franchise owner for over 10 years, SCA has always provided exceptional support.  SCA once again showed their appreciation by not only providing “COVID Relief Compensation”, but also by sending personal safety kits.  They really do care and that’s why I’ll always be loyal to SCA. “, says Elizabeth Muradyan, SCA franchisee.

For inquiries: Clientservices@sca-appraisal.com

Garmat Innovates to Combat the COVID-19 Virus

Posted by Jennie Lepore

The headlines scream that we are facing a critical shortage of PPE in the fight against COVID, and that protecting our medical providers against contamination is of the utmost importance.  There is a call to manufacturers to innovate and help overcome this crisis, 3D printers around the country are churning out masks, to help fill the void.  Manufacturers are turning their factories into medical device fabricators. At Garmat we are joining the fight to help stop the COVID-19 epidemic, with a new idea, an idea that protects the medical provider while saving PPE.

Garmat USA is a leading U.S. based manufacturer of Paint Booths and Refinish Equipment. Our company is well versed in innovation, and we possess agile manufacturing processes that allow for easy product customizations.  This led us to research ideas to help fight the COVID-19 crisis.

The core of our business is providing a clean environment through containment, which includes expertise in airflow and differential pressure.  We are leveraging that expertise to support the battle against COVID-19, and the development of the COVID-19 Walk-Up Testing Booth. This product was developed from start to finish in less than six days, and we know that getting it out the door is critical, so we focused all of our attention on the development.

The availability of safe and rapid testing is one of the most critical tools in the fight against COVID-19. In the weeks and months ahead, both the number of tests and availability of testing sites will need to grow exponentially. We believe Garmat’ s innovative COVID-19 Walk-Up Testing Booth developed by Garmat entrepreneur, Johan Huwaert, enables a rapid and effective rollout of testing sites. This solution saves PPE and protects the provider while providing a more efficient way to test masses of individuals.

Current testing methods are flawed when it comes to testing the masses of individuals in the months ahead. For example, in the medical office, when a patient is suspected of having the COVID-19 Virus, the medical provider must have on PPE. Most of these of the cases come back negative – so the PPE is wasted. Testing stations in Colorado provide Drive Through operations, which are unsafe, time-consuming, and not viable for those without access to transportation.

South Korea has been very proactive in testing its citizens for COVID-19, which has led to a lower number of cases and deaths. One hospital in Seoul has set up four walk-up booths outside the hospital for patients to enter for testing. Before the development of these booths, patients were treated in large negative pressure rooms that took a long time to disinfect. The innovation to “individual patient,” walk-up phone booth testing made processing ten times faster, allowing for more patients testing each day. It also reduced the amount of personal protective gear required by healthcare workers to perform the tests. The patient-centered booth in South Korea has one major drawback – it still requires a fulsome disinfection process after each patient.

Brigham & Women’s hospital in Boston designed a 3-sided plexiglass version, an improvement over the S Korea booth, as it  placed the healthcare provider inside, minimizing the surface area and time required for disinfection.  Garmat’s latest innovation advances Brigham’s version to provide additional protection for healthcare workers by fully enclosing the booth and applying positive airflow pressure, forcing contaminants from the interior of the booth.

The size and convenience of these walk-up style testing booths would allow for testing outside hospitals, urgent care centers, pharmacies, airports, universities, and major sporting venues. Garmat has ample production capacity in its Colorado manufacturing facility. Units can be shipped fully assembled on a standard pallet – install is as simple as placing the unit and plugging into a power source.

Garmat USA is America’s leading manufacturer of paint booths serving auto collision repair and industrial refinishing customers. Read more at the Garmat USA website. We are concerned about the spread of this virus and would like to do what we can help keep our families and communities safe. We know stopping the spread is vital, and protection for the provider is paramount.