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The art of

perfect colour

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Transformed

Vibrance Jamie Schena’s sculptures come alive with the help of PPG paint.

ALSO INSIDE: THE SECRET TO TRANSLUCENT COLOURS

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

• PORSCHE PARTNERS WITH PPG • COST EFFECTIVE STARTLINE® MASKING FILM • PUTTING YOUR BEST FLEET FORWARD

Accelerate your innovation with PPG

Innovation in custom paint finishes For a custom finish that turns heads, draws crowds and gets award winning recognition there’s only one choice – PPG’s VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom finishes! Featuring the absolute latest in innovative pigment technologies and a dazzling palette of colours, Vibrance gives unprecedented choice and freedom to create your own one-of-a-kind finish. From mild and mysterious to totally wild, you’ll find existing Vibrance favourites, including Radiance™ II Candy, Prizmatique™, Flamboyance and Crystal Pearl™, as well as cutting-edge new products. These high-energy finishes are straightforward to use and compatible with PPG’s popular GRS paint system, as well as the Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat system – making eco-friendly custom paintwork a reality! Whether it’s for a hot rod or a custom car, truck or motorcycle, Vibrance is the ultimate in innovative, special effects paint finishes. Contact your PPG representative or the customer service hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ) for more information. www.ppgrefinish.com.au

contents DECEMBER2014 56 VOLUME

THE

REFINISHER

ISSUE 4

Editor-In-Chief Paul Galea

Editorial Co-ordinator Suzannah Aivatoglou

News & Reviews

Industrial strength art

Editor John M Stanley Creative Director Dean Parrott

For as long as he can remember, working with waste steel has been second nature to young artist, Jamie Schena. His passion for recycling combined with an amazing ability to create art from scrap metal – complete with a PPG finishing touch – has seen his work receive international acclaim.

Published for and on behalf of PPG Industries Pty Limited by

Kisschasey Creative Pty Ltd Unit 113, 91 Murphy St. Richmond, Victoria, 3121 Telephone (03) 9421 3311

10 Australia Head Office Locked Bag 888, Clayton South, Victoria 3169. McNaughton Road, Clayton, Victoria, Australia, 3168 Telephone: 13 24 24 www.ppgrefinish.com.au New Zealand Head Office 5 Vestey Drive, Mt Wellington, Auckland, New Zealand. Toll Free Telephone: 0800 320 320

Creating a premium, prestige repair experience

New South Wales 10 Peter Brock Drive, Eastern Creek, 2766 Telephone (02) 9854 6600

Queensland 18 Breene Place, Morningside, 4170 Telephone (07) 3823 8000

Tasmania PO Box 406, Kings Meadows, 7249 Telephone 0412 254 807

Third-party trademarks referenced in this magazine are the property of their respective owners.

PPG – ‘Approved refinish paint partner of Porsche’ Passion for performance links two great companies

SATA and SATAjet are registered trademarks of SATA GmbH & Co. KG.

Simple yet powerful The new, streamlined MVP Facility Audit

Western Australia 4 Modal Crescent, Canning Vale, 6155 Telephone (08) 9256 3920

PPG Logo, Delfleet, Deltron, Envirobase, Global Refinish System, Harlequin, PaintManager, Prizmatique, Radiance, RapidMatch, Startline and Vibrance Collection are registered trademarks and Bringing innovation to the surface, Crystallance and RapidMatch are trademarks of PPG Industries Ohio, Inc.

‘EQ’ – the new name for admin productivity Advanced new PPG bodyshop management software

Victoria 104-106 Woodlands Drive, Braeside, 3195 Telephone (03) 8586 0000

South Australia 1E Oldsmobile Terrace, Dudley Park, 5008 Telephone (08) 8346 6870

European destination

Pride of the fleet Small regional fleet makes an award winning impression

UPFRONT NEWS & REVIEWS REFINISHER

‘Like’ PPG even more! T

hanks to the launch of a new Facebook page dedicated to PPG’s Australian / New Zealand refinish markets, customers and distributors in both countries now have a quick and convenient way to keep up to date with the brand’s activities. Found under the page name “PPG Refinish Australia & New Zealand”, it will be packed with informative and exciting content. This includes the latest product news, ‘Tech Tips’ designed to help repairers improve quality and productivity, details of the latest promotions and information on the brand’s sponsorship activities, along with news about PPG’s participation in trade events and expos. When you visit, make sure you ‘Like’ us and ‘Share’ with your friends. R www.facebook.com/PPGANZRefinish

FleetPool fact-finding visit to Germany

tilising the latest innovations and technologies to deliver a consistently high standard of service, quality workmanship, on time delivery and value for money is a hallmark of PPG’s FLEETPOOL® Network. To do that, members conduct research on a global scale which recently included a visit to the 65th IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair. Held in Hanover, Germany, this year’s event featured 2,066 exhibitors from 45 countries and 322 world premieres! Fabian Gaida (PPG Development Manager Refinish ANZ) provided on-the-ground support for the Australian contingent. “Our local CT shows are great but they are national events whereas the IAA Commercial Vehicles Fair is international and probably the biggest on the planet! It gives our FleetPool members an excellent overview of all the new trends in the CT

sector, all in one place. Understanding what’s happening in the global CT sector is a key to continually improving the standard of the industry. You find that businesses which are open to innovations and new ideas are the ones who are consistently at the cutting edge of the CT repair and R refinish industry.”

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go to . . . www.airvolution.com.au

It’s all about the Australian and New Zealand airbrush community, people, events and competitions.

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NEWS & REVIEWS 5

REFINISHER

DRIVETHROUGH

In-house refinish training W

hile they are ideal for helping customers to upskill staff, the region-wide network of PPG Training Centres also provide a valuable service for internal PPG people. For example, Ray England (Training Manager VIC / TAS), regularly hosts ½ day introductory-style courses which are generally run to give non-technical internal staff a basic understanding of the PPG refinish process. A recent participant, Fei Naglitsch (a Senior Analyst in Analytical Services at PPG’s Clayton headquarters), says she thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity. “The training session gave me a better idea of how the refinish side of PPG’s business works. Ray explained the products and processes to use and we had the opportunity to choose a colour, mix the

paint and then prepare and paint a panel. It really showed the importance of getting each step of the process right in order to achieve the end result. Overall, it went really well and I think it will be a big R help when I’m dealing with customers.”

New look for Envirobase K

eep your eyes peeled because PPG’s hugely popular ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne product line is about to get new global branding. The new packaging replaces the familiar ‘water drop’ image seen on the brand labels with a modern, molecular-shaped graphic design. This structured, dynamic graphic emphasises innovation, colour and technology which are all hallmarks of the brand. The new logo incorporates the well-known PPG blue emblem alongside the Envirobase High Performance name, ensuring better and faster recognition of the brand. It’s important to note that while the branding is changing, the advanced technology formulations remain the same.

Overall, this branding initiative is designed to better reflect the premium quality of the Envirobase High Performance paint system and the brand’s international leadership R in waterborne refinish systems.

with Paul Galea

ell the rush is truly on! PPG’s conversion rate from solvent-based to waterborne technologies is at an all-time high. Although it’s partly driven by work provider requirements and recommendations, a large percentage is also fueled by the need to be more efficient in the way vehicles are processed through today’s high productivity collision centres. In fact, the rush towards PPG waterborne is so complete, the only resistance we see now is from those who have had a bad experience with their first try of waterborne technology. Thankfully, this is extremely rare with PPG’s ENVIROBASE® High Performance. My message is – if you have had a bad experience in the past, it’s important to note that not all waterborne systems are equal. In fact, they can actually be miles apart in terms of technology and performance. Although there’s too much detail to go into here, there are some issues you’d want to avoid. If you can’t de-nib the basecoat, have to bake multiple times, need to apply blend-set coats before blending, need to activate the basecoat and dispose of it or have colour issues, why would you put up with it? You’ll certainly find none of these issues with Envirobase High Performance. All I suggest is you book a demonstration of PPG’s unique waterborne technology. Like the many users already in the market – R you won’t be disappointed!

FEATURE STORY REFINISHER

Industrial strength art

Jamie Schena breathes new life into scrap metal to create incredible sculptures with a real sense of energy and, now, he’s using PPG paint to take his artwork to the next level.

prockets, pistons, springs, gears, shafts, chains, cogs, bearings – just some of the components used to build the almost limitless variety of mechanical devices we rely on for modern living. Unfortunately, when these carefully designed and intricately machined parts end their lifecycle they’re value is almost zero so most go into the scrap bin. However, a select few people see nothing but extraordinary possibilities in these discarded pieces of metal. One of them is Jamie Schena, whose remarkable skill has seen him recycle this waste material to construct sculptures that have received local and international acclaim for their sense of energy and movement. Recently, the young artist also discovered the amazing possibilities PPG’s VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom finishes provide for adding even more life and impact to his sculptures. It’s fair to say Jamie’s father had little idea of what he was setting in motion when he taught his son to weld at just eight years of age. As he helped out in the family mechanical and engineering business in the Gippsland (Victoria) town of Trafalgar, Jamie’s fabricating skills grew. While go-kart racing at the tender age of 12, he thanked one of his sponsors by building them a small model go-kart from scrap parts. People noticed and commissions started to roll in. A model excavator was followed by cars, trucks, motorcycles, horses, bicycles and pretty much anything you can imagine. In the 13 years since – doing it as a sideline business after school or work – Jamie estimates he’s built and sold over 500 sculptures! Even while studying Industrial Design at university and, subsequently, working at Holden Design as a Clay Modeller, he’s continued to refine his art-form in a small workshop in Melbourne. Sourcing materials hasn’t been a problem. “I get tractor and car parts from Dad’s business and there are various engine builders and mechanics who put stuff aside for me. Recently, I found a place that does fuel injection work and they have

FEATURE STORY 7

tiny springs, shafts, gears, etc. Those pieces have allowed me to get a lot more detail into the work, especially on smaller models. “Motorbikes are probably the smallest models I do and I’ve done nearly 100 since I started. Sculptures tend to be between 300mm and about 1.5 metres long. People think small should be cheaper but, if anything, it’s harder doing the smaller stuff because it’s more intricate. These days I have a pretty good understanding of how long a commission is going to take so I’m able to quote a time at a basic hourly rate – I enjoy doing this but I need to be paid for my effort. Depending on what it is most sculptures take between 15 and 30 hours and the majority cost between $400 and $1000. The odd person will still compare the cost of, say, one of my cars to the price of a diecast model – not everyone ‘gets’ that it’s a handmade, one-off piece of artwork.” Jamie says he used to do a sketch before starting a sculpture but found that, with the idea already in his head, it was quicker to just build it. With commission work, he often receives photos to allow him to see the proportions of the job and the detail needed but actually

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FEATURE STORY

Industrial strength art

REFINISHER

achieving the end result comes down to artistic skill. However, not all of Jamie’s work is on commission. “The transformers I build for myself. It’s where I really try to showcase what I can do – I’m always trying to add more detail and get more life into my artwork and take it to the next level. I also get feedback from people I work with and that’s how I started to add colour when Lincoln Gray suggested using PPG’s Vibrance (Radiance II) Candy. People had asked for colour before but a solid colour tends to make all the grind marks and imperfections standout and it looks tacky. Lincoln’s solution was to use straight Candy dyes – they’re transparent so you get colour without losing the character of the work.” As an in-house painter at Holden Design, Lincoln has extensive experience with PPG products including Vibrance. “The first sculpture we painted was Jamie’s ‘Efijy’ transformer. I painted the original Efijy concept car here at Holden Design so we made up the same colour using Candy dyes. Since then we’ve done a blue ‘WRX’ transformer, a green

‘Lamborghini’ transformer and a couple of commissioned motorcycle sculptures in Candy. To get the effect we want, I add about 10% Candy dye to the D895 clear tinter. I hit some scrap steel pieces with an angle grinder to get a similar finish to the sculpture and use those as spray-out cards. I’ll put one, two, three and four coats on the pieces to see which looks best and then apply the same number of coats of Candy to the job. Afterwards, I unmask it and apply D800 Clearcoat over the entire sculpture to seal it. It’s a completely different use for PPG Candy but it works really well. I’m still amazed by Jamie’s projects!” At over a metre high, a metre wide and weighing in at nearly 100kg, the transformers are the biggest sculptures Jamie does. Requiring almost 100 hours to complete, they’re also one of the most time consuming. Although each is different, there’s a definite process to achieve the end result, says Jamie. “For example, I actually make the shell of the car first. If I built the pieces individually it would be too difficult to get the proportions correct so I build the body as one piece and then cut it into sections

espite Holden halting vehicle production in Australia in 2017, Holden Design is set to continue its global GM role, including work on future production models and concept cars. According to Paint Technician, Lincoln Gray (a ten year veteran at Holden Design), that should provide plenty more opportunities to utilise VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom finishes.

THE VIBRANCE OF HOLDEN DESIGN

FEATURE STORY 9

T H E D AY J O B

to mount on the sculpture. I start by building the basic skeleton of the transformer to get the stance and proportions correct, add the pieces of car and then keep adding detail until I get the required look.” These days, Jamie’s artwork is reaching a far wider audience, having been displayed at a variety of exhibitions and galleries. A landmark solo exhibition at Gasolina – a unique Melbourne restaurant and custom automotive art gallery – has been followed by an invitation to display his work in New York. “I’m not sure how the people in New York got on to me but I know a lot of people in America follow my artwork on my Facebook page. When I have an exhibition, the Efijy and the green transformers, as well as my latest ‘Iron Man’ sculpture are the standout pieces. With the lights on them, the Candy reflects at different angles and they just light up like a Christmas tree!” Following his dreams, Jamie recently accepted a role at a General Motors styling studio in Hollywood, California. His clay modelling skills will join a team that works on advanced GM concepts and does projects for the movie studios. Perhaps appropriately, one of the most recent movies was the latest in the Transformers series.

“I’ve been using PPG Vibrance for a hell of a long time and it makes life very easy for us. I’ve now used Vibrance products here at Holden for painting anything from concept / show cars to indicator and tail light lenses. For the concept cars, we get a ‘master colour’ from our Colour & Trim department and then do tests to get exactly the right colour and consistency we’re after and then spray away. The interesting thing with concept cars is that, even though they’re not production cars, they need tail lights and indicators that look like they’re functional. As a result, we fabricate lenses and spray them using red or orange (Radiance®II) Candy to replicate the production car appearance. This is a great environment to work in. Whether it’s one of Jamie’s artworks or a concept car being unveiled at the New York Motor Show, there’s real job satisfaction!”

ncreasingly powerful computers and the arrival of 3-D design software have dramatically reduced the vehicle design process. However, this technology has failed to replace the specialised manual role played by clay modellers, such as Jamie. Full-size and scale models are still created to ensure an accurate impression of the final styling. Typically, a wooden ‘buck’ forms the base over which foam and then clay is applied. After the basic shape is carved using a computer controlled milling machine, the expertise of clay modellers comes into play. They use special tools to refine and make fine alterations to the surface under the direction of the vehicle stylists – variations as small as a millimetre can make major differences to the visual perception. When fully mocked up and painted, a clay model helps the styling team better judge proportions and see fine surface details. In contrast to 3-D projections, the model is invaluable for showing how sunlight reacts with the curves of the vehicle and the ability to actually ‘feel’ the surface should never be underestimated.

“My ultimate goal is to work at Lamborghini but to do that I need experience in different studios. I’m excited about this new role – it should be a lot of fun. At the same time, I plan to get a workshop set up so I can continue making sculptures and R finding new ways to improve my artwork.” Check out more of Jamie’s work at www.jamieschena.com or on Facebook www.facebook.com /JamieSchena.Art.

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FEATURE PANEL SHOP REFINISHER

R A X W O R T H Y E U R O P E A N LT D

European destination

Over more than four decades in business, Raxworthy European has earned a long list of premium brand approvals and an enviable reputation for repairing prestige vehicles.

s second generation business owners, Craig and Todd Raxworthy are very thankful and appreciative of the efforts their parents put in to build up the family’s highly respected collision centre, Raxworthy European, in Christchurch. After starting his panel beating apprenticeship at 15 years old, their father, Graeme, had bought into the business and later purchased

it outright before he and his wife, Lorraine, moved it to the existing site over 30 years ago. Craig and Todd also learnt their panel beating trade through the business. When the time came, the succession plan was very smooth, says Craig, as the brothers progressively bought out the shares in the business. “You have to credit Mum and Dad because they built a fantastic base and have let us continue developing it.

I became a partner in 2001 and Todd bought in about five years ago. The final shares have just been signed over so Mum and Dad are now 100% retired but they own the land and buildings so Dad enjoys collecting the rent once a month! Dad was really good at handing over the reins – he was happy to sit in the background, watch what we were doing and pull us up if he thought we were going in the wrong direction. It was a great exit plan and he’s continued to be a great sounding board.” While it’s not always smooth sailing, Craig reckons he and Todd work well together. “Family business can be a funny thing and it has its challenges but over the years I think it’s panned out pretty well between Todd and I.” Including Todd and Craig, there are 13 staff – four panel beaters, three painters and an apprentice, a groomer / general hand, a part time receptionist and Craig’s wife, Sarah, who helps out in the office. The team typically repairs between 20 and 24 vehicles per week and 65% are European brands. Indeed, Craig says the European prestige market has always been the target market and an excellent reputation for professionalism and repair quality has helped steer that top end market toward Raxworthy European. Over the past decade, some of the market’s most prestigious brands have jumped on board – today, Raxworthy European is an approved collision repairer for MercedesBenz, Audi and Porsche, as well as being a BMW trade partner. “We repair every make and model but the European market has really grown, particularly since getting approval from Porsche and Audi in 2008. In fact, we’re the only Audi approved aluminium repair facility on the South Island. Audi is the biggest brand volume through the shop which makes them pretty special for us – last year repairs on Audi vehicles made up about 23% of our business.” No matter what brand of vehicle they drive, all customers are seen as equal at Raxworthy European. “There is no favouritism based on what the customer drives. For the majority, their motor vehicle is their second biggest investment so, it doesn’t really matter if you’re dealing with a

FEATURE PANEL SHOP 11

little old lady with her Toyota Starlet or someone with a brand new Audi RS6, it’s still comparative to them. We certainly give our customers good service – basically, we aim to replicate the sort of experience a customer would get at a prestige vehicle dealership. I believe our customer service would be second to none in this industry.” Because premium European brands tend to lead the market with technology, construction methods and materials, Raxworthy European has had to keep close tabs on the requirements of each

manufacturer. This has seen the company continually invest in the latest repair technology and equipment, as well as use training to keep up-to-date with the latest repair methods. “For every single job we make sure we have the correct repair specifications and

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FEATURE PANEL SHOP

European destination

REFINISHER

ensure our technicians understand exactly what’s required to achieve a correct repair. For example, some vehicles are no longer welded together – they’re clinched, riveted and glued – so manufacturer’s specifications are very important when you get into the top end European repairs – having said that, it’s also important for every make and model these days. Often, we will attend manufacturer training courses ourselves and then do in-house training with our people. Back in 2010, I spent 2.5 weeks in Germany sitting the Audi aluminium welding qualification.” Taking advantage of the latest technology includes using waterborne refinish coatings. After initially installing a waterborne system in 2011, Raxworthy European made the

S H O P FA C T S Raxworthy European Owner: Craig and Todd Raxworthy Staff: 13 PPG Product: Envirobase High Performance Territory Manager: Nigel Hamilton

R A X W O R T H Y E U R O P E A N LT D

switch to the advanced technology of PPG’s ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat in September 2013. According to Craig, the trigger came when someone they trusted, Wayne Thomson, joined local PPG distributor, Automotive Colours, in July 2011. After a lot of thought and research on all the benefits, moving to PPG was the logical step. “Changing paint is like changing your accountant – it’s a massive thing! We went to the PPG headquarters in Auckland with our refinish team leader to look at Envirobase. We did the figures on how it stacked up and made the decision pretty promptly. Since changing we haven’t looked back – Envirobase is very user-friendly and it goes further than previously so we’ve reduced costs in our refinish department. Other advantages are the spectro (RAPIDMATCH™ X-5 spectrophotometer) for saving colour matching time and SATA spray guns for

application. We also have a happy and healthy refinish team and the support of our distributor and PPG is fantastic!” Raxworthy European were also quick to take advantage of PPG’s MVP bodyshop development program. Having been involved in measuring and monitoring the business and implementing lean strategies for about 10 years, Craig was keen to continue making improvements. “If you look at our industry, most of us are tradespeople who have gone into business by default. When I started as a 15 year old apprentice I had no vision of one day running a business this size. So, if there are good industry sources willing to help you’ve got to be prepared to accept that you don’t know everything and pick out the best advice for your business style. Helen Aird (NZ MVP Manager) is very good at what she does and we’re currently working with her to look at our front office processes and remove waste. After that we’ll review the refinish department again to refine the processes there even further. Time is money and times are tight – things are relatively tough in the New Zealand market, as they are elsewhere in the world. It’s about systemising and streamlining the processes in the business. You have to eliminate all the waste you can to make a dollar so we’ll continue to work on that.” The fact that the business occupies a double street frontage is great for advertising, according to Craig. Drivers queuing up on the road outside get a good view of the stylish facility and prestige vehicles in the car park. “Investing in a modern appearance is part of keeping ahead of the pack – even from the outside our site does look pretty dam good! We’re quite comfortable with where the business is at the moment. We just want to cement what we’ve got and maintain that growing European market that we have. We have 20 plus years ahead of us and then who knows – I’ve got three boys and Todd has a boy and a girl so far, so one day there R might be a third generation involved!”

SATA 13

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Life’s a beach With its summer-cool beach

graphics, the new limited edition model from SATA® is perfect for hitting the ‘water’ (or solvent-borne)!

f leading spray equipment specialist, SATA®, were a surfer it would be the one you’d see carving up the perfect wave with absolute precision and ultra-cool style. And it would be able to repeat that ‘totally radical’ performance over and over with effortless ease and no fuss efficiency. Whether you’re a grommet painter or a seasoned professional, SATA®’s latest limited edition, the SATA®jet 4000® B Surfer ®, lets you tap into that laid back style, backed by exceptional performance. Inspired by the spirit of California Dreaming (or Bondi, Bells, Margaret River, etc.), this special edition spray gun features a beautifully crafted body covered in a unique graphic of surfboards, waves and hibiscus flowers. Because it’s based on the premium SATA®jet 4000® B model, it also comes with the heritage of almost 90 years of spray gun engineering and manufacturing expertise. As well as being the lightest spray gun in its class, it’s packed with outstanding features which help technicians work smarter and produce better results with less effort. Even if you’ve never ridden a wave, the SATA®jet 4000® B Surfer ® is perfect for ‘water’ and it’s just as good with solvent-borne paints, too. It produces a consistent, perfectly shaped spray fan that applies material softly and evenly which makes it ideal for both basecoats and clearcoats. Even at rapid application speeds the even paint distribution produces

an excellent finish, greater colour matching accuracy and higher gloss. With a material transfer rate in excess of 65%, it can even help reduce material usage. Available in your choice of technology and a range of nozzle setups, most versions also come with the convenience of SATA®’s unique digital pressure readout integrated into the gun. And, the great news is, you can purchase a SATA®jet 4000® B Surfer® for exactly the same recommended retail price as the regular SATA®jet 4000® B. It’s sure to prove popular with technicians after a little

individuality, as well as collectors looking to add to their display cabinet. However, you’ll need to get in quick as stock is strictly limited. The SATA®jet 4000® B Surfer® is now available from selected PPG distributors across R Australia and New Zealand.

Limited edition range SATA®jet SATA®jet SATA®jet SATA®jet SATA®jet SATA®jet

4000® B 4000® B 4000® B 4000® B 4000® B 4000® B

RP® 1.3 Surfer ® RP® DIGITAL 1.2 Surfer ® RP® DIGITAL 1.3 Surfer ® RP® DIGITAL 1.4 Surfer ® HVLP DIGITAL® WSB Surfer ® HVLP DIGITAL® 1.3 Surfer ®

PPG ACCESS REFINISHER

Now rolling out across the region, PPG’s feature packed EQ bodyshop management software has everything you need to achieve high productivity in the today’s industry.

EQ The new name for admin productivity A

sk a collision centre owner to list the biggest changes to the industry over the past decade or so and up near the top will be administration functions. Virtually all work providers now communicate electronically and they demand precise and detailed information to ensure claims are processed smoothly. At the same time, more effective admin processes are needed to ensure jobs are able to flow through the workshop as efficiently as possible.

management software. Rather than updating the existing software, EQ has been built from the ground up using modern, ultra-reliable technology. As well as incorporating a whole host of clever functions and concepts, it has also been deliberately designed with a streamlined flow which makes it very ‘intuitive’ to use. Indeed, whether you are transitioning from PPG’s existing software or another software package, the logical layout of EQ makes it straightforward and fuss-free to achieve dramatic time savings.

Powerful technology – intuitive to use

Accuracy equals productivity

It is to meet precisely these needs that PPG’s in-house programming team developed the new EQ bodyshop

No matter which work providers you are dealing with, EQ bodyshop management software has the intuitive processes to increase accuracy and admin productivity.

These days, many estimates are entered by non-technical people which increases the likelihood of a mistake during input. EQ features built-in safeguards that block invalid operations and ensure each step of the process is correct. The entire system is based around ensuring that accurate information is fed in at the beginning to then prevent costly errors occurring down the track. Much like out in the workshop, the aim is to eliminate the need for ‘reworks’ which cause admin delays and wasted time.

Field trials The PPG development team has an in-depth understanding of the unique local market and was able to gather plenty of feedback from the large number of current users. Field trials were conducted with the help of several loyal customers, to allow some fine tuning of the software and ensure the new EQ bodyshop management system exceeded expectations. Here is what two of them had to say:

PPG ACCESS 15

David Bajada – Director at Freers Panel Works, Mooroopna, Victoria “We’ve used the original Business Manager system for a long time and EQ has come a long way from that. I think they’ve really looked at what the modern shop needs and incorporated that in. There’s a lot of flexibility and different ways to quote which really saves time and is very user-friendly. Now quotes are kept in a ‘case’ where you attach and save everything which makes it a lot easier to track. There are a lot more features and probably the best is the ease of using EQ. For us, this has brought the overall bodyshop management program up to the needs of the modern day.”

Terry Smith – owner O’Dell Panel Works, Seaford, Victoria

Freers Panel Works

“The best feature is the accuracy. You have to be more precise with vehicle details, such as VIN, when quoting but the benefits are certainly there in the time savings at the end. For example, it cuts out wrong parts being provided by the parts supplier because you’re giving them the exact model and parts that you need. Some more great features are the booking diary and the ability to automatically send a text to owners to update them about their vehicle. As with any new product, you need to use it to find out its true capabilities.”

Available now! Current users have already begun migrating to EQ bodyshop management software. Whether you are an existing customer or switching from another system, the installation, training and support with EQ is all part of the package – not an extra cost. Where some competitors charge large upfront fees, PPG Access doesn’t – indeed, there are no lock in contracts so, if EQ bodyshop management software doesn’t meet your needs, you can opt out any time you like. With the long list of features and no-strings attached, what’s not to like! For more information contact your local PPG Access specialist, your Territory Manager or call the PPG Access Hotline on 1800 627 798 (Aust) or 0800 442 531 (NZ).

O’Dell Panel Works

PPG ACCESS

‘EQ’ – the new name for admin productivity

REFINISHER

Booking diary

Key features • Intuitive, step-by-step estimate preparation – EQ essentially offers three ways to create an estimate – ‘full manual’, ‘Sections’ and ‘Hot Spot’. In addition, there is a whole range of logical to use functions and templates designed to assist you in quickly preparing an estimate so that parts, labour times, etc don’t get missed. • Booking diary – This incredibly simple, yet powerful tool, lets you easily schedule jobs and track them through the production process. Real-time tracking looks at where the vehicle is currently in the repair process with how long it’s estimated to be fully completed. By comparing this data with the promised ‘production end’ date, it can quickly highlight if the job has the potential to run over time. • Shop Floor Data Capture - This built-in function provides collision centre owners / managers with the status of every job in the workshop without even leaving the office. In addition, it lets you compare the cost of each step against what was actually estimated. • ‘Hot Spot’ estimating in 3D – Using an on-screen, interactive, 3-dimensional representation of a vehicle it’s simple to click on the panels involved in the repair and receive a list of all the labour and parts involved. Then you just need to click to select those that are applicable to the job. • ‘Templates’ for speed and efficiency – A very flexible, time saving new function which is tuned to the needs of each collision centre. Provides the ability to store templates for individual sections of a vehicle in ‘small’, ‘medium’ and ‘large’ to coincide with the severity of an impact. Along with being very simple to build, Templates are related to body style, not specific models. Therefore, when you create a template for a four-door sedan, it automatically works for any four-door sedan. What’s more, it automatically links to the correct times for the model in the times database, such as NTAR.

Intuitive, step-by-step estimate preparation

‘Hot Spot’ estimating in 3D

Shop Floor Data Capture

Case concept

‘Templates’ for speed and efficiency

Electronic document storage Improved image module Compare estimate versions Multiple billings

• Case concept – Allocates a ‘case’ number to each vehicle. The ‘case’ contains all the items that are to do with the vehicle while it is in the shop. As well as having the ability to create multiple estimates – for example, multiple insurance repairs, private repair work or internal reworks – a case can contain images, documents, notes and activities. • Multiple billings – Allows various separate invoices to be raised against the same ‘case’ and charged to different entities attached to the case (ie. fleet, insurance and owner) from the one screen.

• Compare estimate versions – When any adjustment is made to an estimate, a version is retained and can easily be compared to other versions to keep track of all the changes that have been made. • Improved image module – Easily add images, attach notes to images and select from the file of photos only the ones you wish to go to the work provider. Images can also be emailed via EQ to other interested parties, such as suppliers. • Electronic document storage – Rather than hold paper copies, EQ allows files of different types to be associated with the case, including pdf documents, Word documents and spreadsheets. A new ‘notes’ section allows notes to be created and searched for by subject. R

STARTLINE

Maskof efficiency The quality, reliability and

convenience of the new STARTLINE® Masking Film helps reduce labour time and provide a fast and cost effective masking solution.

aper may be the most common masking material but it has met its match thanks to the launch of another addition to the high performance, cost effective, STARTLINE® range – Masking Film. It features a tough but highly flexible plastic film prefitted with ultra-reliable Startline Premium Yellow Tape that delivers excellent adhesion and hold, yet removes cleanly without leaving residue on the surface. It comes in a choice of 1100mm and 1800mm widths which are loaded into a handy, compact dispenser. While traditional paper masking is often seen as a low cost option, the reduced labour time and other advantages of using Startline Masking Film make it the smart choice for modern collision centres. Note: It’s also ideal for architectural applications!

Reduce masking labour time When you think about it, the characteristics of paper aren’t very well suited to masking the curved shapes found on today’s motor vehicles. Paper tends to fold just where you don’t want it to which then requires extra time to ensure all the gaps are masked up. And, just when you get it right, it can rip or tear and, because it’s paper, it can absorb liquids. In contrast, Startline Masking Film is far more efficient. The strong plastic film is very easy to apply and it flows smoothly around vehicle shapes which makes it much faster

and more productive to use. The specially coated film keeps moisture out while also retaining dust particles rather than letting them blow around the booth. What’s more, there’s no chance of it sticking to the vehicle surface, even after baking. In addition, the convenient dispenser is compact enough for each painter to keep on-hand right at their workstation – there’s no need for technicians to go off looking for the bulky paper dispenser only to find that someone else is already using it!

Do the sums These days, the cost of purchasing a product is important but only when it’s included in the overall cost of performing a task – that means taking labour cost into account. What if your team could save as little as five minutes per masking job? At an average shop labour rate, that’s a saving of about $6.50 per job – who wouldn’t say no to that! Then consider

the fact that Startline Masking Film is both keenly priced and capable of being as much as 30% faster than traditional paper masking. Like all Startline products, the excellent value R makes a very powerful argument! For details on the latest product releases and up-to-date brand news or to find your nearest distributor, check out the Startline website at: www.startlineproducts.com.au

REFINISHER

CAREERS @ PPG REFINISHER

Multi choice industry A collision repair industry career offers far more opportunity than you might think. By taking on challenges and working hard, there’s plenty of potential to reach rewarding destinations.

tarting out with a trade qualification in the collision repair industry doesn’t mean being pigeonholed for life. These days, there’s a wealth of opportunity to build on those skills and expand your horizons. A prime example is PPG’s General Manager Refinish, Paul Galea. Today, Paul oversees PPG’s entire refinish operations across Australia and New Zealand, with the support of a team of over 300 people, but like most in the industry, he started with a trade apprenticeship.

’s career Paul Galea t PPG na progressio

resentative l Sales Rep • Technica nt Manager • Key Accou t Manager Developmen • Business er in Victoria Sales Manag • Regional ople) anaging pe rience in m pe ex d ne (gai for Victoria WA es Manager of SA and • State Sal anagement m d ad to nded • Role expa ager ANZ arketing Man M • Refinish ting Director and Marke es al S h is in • Ref inish anager Ref • General M

“I left school at 15 years old to start an apprenticeship as a spray painter. At that age you don’t really think about a career – I just had a passion for cars and wanted to work with them.” Having completed his apprenticeship, Paul successfully ran his own small bodyshop for several years. However, when the workshop lease came due he decided to take a break and see what else the world had to offer. After several roles, he found himself in the spare parts sector where he first got experience as a sales representative which helped him take a new career path.

CAREERS @ PPG 19

“A paint distributor approached me to be a sales rep and that was the first place where it put my painting skills together with my sales skills. Following some time with that organisation, the opportunity came up to take on a position as a Technical Sales Representative at PPG. I probably wasn’t thinking career path when I joined PPG – it just seemed like an ideal opportunity. In fact for me, the first role was almost the ultimate role – I really liked the industry so I could stay involved and I could use my technical expertise to help people. While working for the distributor I’d experienced a number of paint brands and PPG stood out. From a

technical point of view, the advantage PPG had in ‘colour’ was clear to me and from a company cultural point of view you could also see a distinct difference. Rather than a heavy focus on sales, PPG’s main focus was on helping the customer.” Paul says he never thought he would be with the same company 19 years later. He puts it down to the diversity of roles available within PPG. “It doesn’t feel like I’ve been here for 19 years because I’ve had a variety of different roles. It’s been like starting a new job every three or four years. Along the way there has been access to as much training

as you could possibly need but, to me, the real training has been ‘on the job’. The part that I enjoy most is the fact that, although we have boundaries, PPG tends to give staff a lot of autonomy and leeway to make their own decisions. I’m really satisfied in what I’ve achieved but I’m still very passionate about the PPG business and I still have a lot to achieve.” According to Paul, if there’s one message he would reinforce to people, it is that nobody is more interested in your career path than you. “If you’re not happy in your job, find an alternative solution. There are more opportunities than ever before in the collision repair industry and it doesn’t stop at the door of the bodyshop. Whatever you choose to do, do it to the best of your ability and it will get noticed.”

For more information or to see the current roles being offered, go to jobs.ppg.com, click on ‘Jobs by location’ and select R Australia or New Zealand.

UNLOCK YOUR CAREER WITH PPG Founded in 1883 and operating in nearly 70 countries, PPG Industries is a highly successful global organisation. And it’s no surprise that our employees are at the heart of everything we do. As such, PPG is constantly on the look-out for high calibre staff to join our Australian and New Zealand Refinish Teams. Opportunities appear regularly and can span the following areas; • Technical Product Demonstrators • New Business Development • Territory Management • Key Account Management • Customer Service • Business support - MVP and BMSG Consultants If you’re passionate about the refinish industry, can demonstrate an ambition to succeed and have a strong work ethic, PPG wants to hear from you. View all our current opportunities at jobs.ppg.com by selecting ‘Australia’ or ‘New Zealand’. A career at PPG offers almost limitless opportunities! Best of all, you’ll be working for an organisation that thrives on innovation and where learning and development is encouraged and nurtured. For a confidential discussion about career opportunities, contact Emma McNeill +61 3 9263 4653 or emcneill@ppg.com

jobs.ppg.com

REFINISHER

PPG COLOUR REFINISHER

Colourful character N

o one could accuse Charley Hutton of not being ‘a manly dude’ but he’s adamant that it doesn’t mean he can’t appreciate colour. Although only in his early 40s, Charley is already a custom paint legend, having created some of the most spellbinding one-off custom colours ever to be applied to metal. The source of these colours may come as a surprise, Charley explains. “I’m passionate about colour and I get my inspiration every day I get up – colour is everywhere if you take a look. I love a lot of construction materials and appliances and natural colours are all around us. There are the different colours of the ocean, the foliage and all the other colours of nature. I often joke that I love flowers but it’s the colours I love. When it comes to our customers, everybody wants their own special colour and PPG gives us all the tools we need to give them what they want. Besides, as an artist, you want to create unique colours – it’s fun!” Charley says his whole family is quite artistic. Indeed, his father was set to join Disneyland as a cartoonist before being drafted into the army and sent to the Korean War. Charley and his siblings were raised in Idaho and so that’s where he later opened Charley Hutton’s Color Studio (in Nampa, Idaho) at the age of just 20 years old. In the meticulously clean 650m² workshop, Charley and his three skilled staff generally have

Whether it’s custom paint, restoration work or an accident repair job, Charley Hutton knows colour is crucial – that’s why he chose to partner with PPG! around five projects on the go at any one time. He says there are three different facets to the business. “Everybody thinks of us as painters but we do much more – full, turn-key builds and a lot of restoration work, as well as minor

fabrication and paintwork for a lot of other hot rod shops around the country. The hot rod and custom jobs let you exercise your creative and artistic side. We actually picture every car as a blank canvas because the total design aspect of the car is an art form

PPG COLOUR 21

and everything needs to flow. When we’re fabricating, we’re actually making metal sculptures that are parts of the car. We make a lot of our own blocks to get those shapes. Even with filler work, you’re not just sanding for the sake of sanding – you’re actually creating a specific shape. “When you get into the restoration work, it’s about exercising your intellectual side with the research you need to do to get the job authentic. For instance, recently we did a full, concourse restoration on a 1965 275 GTB Ferrari. We had to replace part of the engine compartment but, instead of making it perfect like we’re used to, we had to replicate the way it was originally made by leaving the hammer marks visible. In places like the engine compartment, the Ferrari factory didn’t smooth them out.”

Charley jokes that he started his custom paint career when, as a child, he used his sister’s nail polish to paint his Hot Wheels cars but he actually painted his first full size custom car at the tender age of just 15 years old. These days, Charley chooses to use PPG products exclusively. A key part of that is PPG’s VIBRANCE COLLECTION® custom paint finishes but he’s also decided to take the step up to PPG’s advance ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat. Initially, he was a little uneasy about the switch from solvent-borne to waterborne technology. “Nobody likes change and I’m no different so the switch to water wasn’t an easy choice yet I knew it was one I needed to make because it’s the way of the future. I believe PPG is on the cutting edge with the development of waterborne paints and I know Envirobase has been used in Europe for quite some time where it’s very popular. That meant that although it was new to me, it was proven technology. I tested a lot of

other waterborne systems and PPG was so much better which is why we went with it. PPG products are unbelievable but the technical support is a major plus, too. Even though I have a lot of experience, sometimes you’re going to come across an issue where you need technical support. As well as that, product technologies are constantly evolving and improving so we rely on the PPG Team to keep us up-to-date with the very latest technical information to help us achieve the results that keep our customers happy and coming back for more!” The reputation of Charley Hutton’s Color Studio continues to expand with every award winning job, yet Charley remains a humble artist. “We’re busier now more than ever and we get jobs shipped to us from all over the country. Man, I’m just really lucky – as long as I can continue to build hot rods, R I’m stoked!”

REFINISHER

TALKING TRAINING REFINISHER

What provides a straightforward, easy to use answer to matching today’s more vibrant, factory original colours? PPG’s spectral grey undercoat system!

The secret to matching

translucent colours

ne proven way car makers attract buyers is with eye-catching exterior colours and the latest colour palettes are clear evidence – finishes are significantly more exotic and vibrant than even five years ago. Many of the latest are highly chromatic, with translucent colours that sparkle with an exceptional level of depth, brilliance, and clarity. Understanding the factory application process and the progressive pigment technologies involved in creating these vibrant colours, is an important step to accurately matching them. For example, an OE colour like Toyota’s 3R1 Matador Red, is a ‘tricoat’ finish with an abundance of sparkle and depth of hue. Its sister colour, 3R3 Barcelona Red, has an even brighter, rich red appearance but its brilliance is achieved using a combination of translucent pigments and red pearls in a basecoat / clearcoat application. These vibrant translucent colours can present real challenges during

the refinish process. Along with an accurate match, it must be invisible to the naked eye to be successful. For true accuracy, a fresh approach is required which is where PPG has taken the lead by developing a practical colour matching solution.

A significant part of the issue is that vehicle manufacturers don’t all use the same application process to get the same effect. Some use the same standard grey undercoat for all colours, others employ different shades of grey depending on the colour, while others apply coloured ground coats. Despite this, the end result is effectively the same – the translucent nature of the intense colour pigments works with the undercoat colour and clearcoat to create the colour. In other words, the final finish is made up of a combination of all three.

Clearcoat

Translucent Basecoat

Spectral Grey

TALKING TRAINING 23

Once the recommended SG undercoat is applied, coats of the waterborne translucent colour are sprayed to ‘perceived hiding’, allowing the sealer to play its role in creating the final match. Typically, this ‘apply to match’ technique requires two to four coats of colour, plus a lower-pressure control coat to create a smooth metallic orientation.

Fast and effective process

Spectral Grey undercoat system PPG’s innovative spectral grey process mimics the OEM approach by incorporating the latest vibrant ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne system toners and translucent pigments with a scientifically proven Spectral Grey (SG) undercoat system. As for the production line process, an SG undercoat contributes to the final basecoat colour and is critical to matching the original finish in the paint shop. PPG has formulated five shades of spectral greys – labelled as G1, G3, G5, G6 and G7 – to give paint technicians the complete range they need to match translucent colours. For convenience, PPG PaintManager™ colour retrieval software lists the optimal SG shade of undercoat against all colour formulas for Envirobase High Performance paint system.

Three efficient SG solutions Rather than just one spectral grey solution, PPG offers three options, depending on your needs. Each of the spectral grey shades can be mixed in DP4000 Primer or Envirobase High Performance paint system and are available in convenient aerosol form with PPG’s OneChoice™ 1K Epoxy Rub-through Primer. The DP4000 option is ideal to use in high productivity Wet-On-Wet mode, whereas on smaller repairs you may prefer to mix the appropriate spectral grey in Envirobase High Performance paint system

Above: G5 is recommended PPG spectral grey for matching Toyota’s Barcelona Red, code 3R3. Notice how each shade of grey influences the final colour. and apply it over the primer patch before putting the colour coat on top. Being aerosol, OneChoice™ 1K Epoxy Rub-through Primer is the quick and efficient solution for small repairs, a rub-through or over D8080 UV Cured Primer to replicate the OEM undercoat.

Apply to match vs. spray to full hiding For a long time ‘spray to full hiding’ has been the term paint technicians would recognise when applying colour coats over primer to accurately match a vehicle colour. However, this is no longer standard practice when repairing the newer translucent OE finishes using the Envirobase High Performance paint system.

Right: The spectral grey system consists of 5 different shades.

PPG’s close association with leading vehicle OEMs around the globe was a key factor in developing an efficient colour matching solution. Where some other paint companies have come up with complex techniques which substantially increase refinish cycletime, PPG has chosen to closely mimic the OE production line process. The choice of spectral greys replicates the undercoat system, while the vibrancy of the PPG tinters is closely aligned to OEM pigments. This allows the clarity of translucent colours to be reproduced in two layers, instead of having to go through a time-consuming three or even four layer process!

Smoother, easier blending Experience has shown that technicians who transition to the Envirobase High Performance paint system discover just how easy blending is, even when dealing with the latest translucent colours. Using the traditional ‘spray to full hiding’ with products formulated to be opaque, painters can find it difficult to achieve both a good colour match and a satisfactory blend. However, Envirobase HP’s clean, crisp toners, combined with SG undercoats, allow painters to achieve a gradual blend that vanishes into the adjacent original finish. This easy blending technique is just one of the best practice solutions which the PPG Training Team pass on when a collision centre converts to the Envirobase High Performance paint system. It’s also a key component of the Envirobase High Performance paint system courses which are run at PPG Training Centres across the region. For information contact your local PPG Training Manager or PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ).

REFINISHER

MVP EFFICIENCY REFINISHER

Simple yet powerful Refined and more streamlined, the new MVP Facility Audit is the perfect way for repairers to get the answers which allow them to accurately target areas for improvement.

irtually every collision centre owner wants to improve their business, whether it’s to meet work provider volume demands or just to ensure all their hard work is achieving a suitable profit. However, for many it’s simply a case of not knowing where to start – they don’t have accurate information to determine which specific areas of the business are in most need of attention.

New MVP Facility Audit is the answer Over the past decade or so, PPG’s MVP Team has offered repairers an excellent method of gathering this essential information via an on-site MVP Collision Centre Assessment. Although this ‘business health check’ produced fine results, ANZ MVP Manager, Greg Tunks, admits it had got a little complex and longwinded. Revamping it to create the new MVP Facility Audit was all about better tuning it to today’s market and making it even more effective, according to Greg. “The approach is based on a simple question – if I was starting a collision centre from scratch today, what fundamental factors would I need to get right in order to perform at a reasonable level. Not to be the absolute best shop but to be competitive. By focussing on the crucial elements, we’ve streamlined the MVP Facility Audit to 50 key questions for each area of the business – management, panel shop and refinish department. The aim is to create a standardised auditing system which can be used on any type of collision centre – whether it’s a fast-track shop or a traditional shop, etc. – and the results we’ve been achieving have been excellent. For something that’s now so simple, I think the MVP Facility Audit is a very powerful document.”

KEY QUESTIONS

Getting the scores on the board Where the old system used a straight ‘yes’ or ‘no’ response, the new MVP Facility Audit incorporates a more flexible and informative points system for answering the 50 questions per department. Each question is scored with one of three possibilities – a ‘0’, a ‘1’ or a ‘2’. For example, the question might relate to an operation – say, ‘is jobmapping used’? If the answer is ‘yes’ 100% of the time, the score is ‘2’. If it’s done 75% of the time, the score is ‘1’, while if it’s done only 50% of the time, the score is ‘0’. In this way, it not only provides a score for the individual operation but also an overall score for the department. The scoring system is deliberately designed to be tough because it’s dealing with fundamental operations which should be performed a high percentage of the time, if not every single time. Importantly, the result is a highly visual ‘scoreboard’ that makes it absolutely clear where any deficiencies are.

Accountable actions Along with the scoring system, the audit produces ‘action points’. Each of the three departments gets a list of five written action points. Rather than attempt to cover off everything at once, which can be overwhelming, it’s about highlighting and prioritising the most crucial operations to be tackled first.

Because the aim is to make these five action points achievable, two other criteria have been added – a timeframe for completion and who is responsible for making it happen. Experience has shown that improvements tend to happen much faster when someone is accountable. Once the five ‘action points’ are achieved, it’s simply a matter of booking another MVP Facility Audit to move onto the next five most important targets for improvement.

MVP EFFICIENCY 25

Keep it regular One major advantage of the streamlined MVP Facility Audit is that it’s designed to be done on a regular basis. No collision centre is perfect – there’s always room to get better so this is a highly effective way to maintain a culture of continuous improvement. How often you have an MVP Facility Audit depends on how quickly you are able to tackle the action points from the previous audit. For a collision centre that’s determined to improve, Greg envisages an audit being performed approximately every three to six months.

Solid facts to build on According to Greg, many collision centre owners can tell that things aren’t right in the business but they’re not sure exactly what. “For a repairer that’s never had a systematic check of their facility – and there are many in that category – how do you really know what the issues are and where to start fixing them?

You need a scoreboard to show what’s performing well and what isn’t. I believe the MVP Facility Audit is another outstanding way that PPG is able to support its customers. With solid facts about what’s going on in each department, owners can get their business heading in the right direction, with the help of their MVP consultant, and begin boosting their bottom-line.”

REFINISHER

A Facility Audit is just one of many support services available under PPG’s MVP Program. For more details, contact your local MVP Manager (see the list below), your PPG Representative or PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 0800 320 320 (NZ) R or 13 24 24 (Aust).

Queensland / Northern Territory – John Stack 0413 274 035 North Queensland – Hugh McBride 0418 188 423 New South Wales – Brett Abdy 0411288471 Victoria / Tasmania – Mindy Roberts 0407 528 869

Facility Audit D REFINISH EL SHOP | N T PA N | MANAGEME |

TION KEY QUES

South Australia – Joe Esposito 0412 832 919 Western Australia – Mark Metcalf 0401 710 961 New Zealand – Helen Aird 0211 765 943 MVP Manager ANZ – Greg Tunks 0411 288 451

E PA RT M

ENT

OEM APPROVALS REFINISHER

“In the beginning, I looked around and could not find the car I’d been dreaming of: a small, lightweight sports car that uses energy efficiently. So I decided to build it myself.” Ferry Porsche

Porsche’s passion for driving excitement is matched by PPG’s passion for colour and coatings performance, creating an ideal partnership.

rguably the most instantly recognisable shape in the automotive world belongs to Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche AG (generally shortened to Porsche AG). For over 50 years, successive generations of the company’s iconic 911 model have featured evolutionary designs of the distinctive roof line, wings which are higher than the bonnet and powerful shoulders. Innovative engineering has allowed a unique combination of exhilarating performance and excellent functionality to create a sports car that can be used every day.

In post-WWII Europe in the late 1940s, these characteristics simply didn’t exist, however that simply provided the motivation for Ferry Porsche (son of company founder, Ferdinand Porsche) to develop the very first sports car to bear the Porsche name – the 356.

From launch the 356 captured the public’s imagination. Indeed, Australia holds a special place in Porsche’s history after Melbourne entrepreneur, Norman Hamilton, imported two early 356 models in 1951. Australia became Porsche’s very first right-hand-drive market and one of its first export territories. That passion for Porsche’s unique sports performance philosophy continues to grow, with a record 1,905 delivered in Australia in 2013. The arrival of the new Macan in mid-2014, is expected to push sales to more than 3,000 annually. New Zealand has also consistently seen one of the highest market share penetrations for Porsche cars anywhere in the world. Underscoring the local love and respect for the brand, it’s interesting to note that, of the approximately 27,000 Porsche vehicles delivered from the factory to Australia over the past 63 years, the majority are still on the roads!

OEM APPROVALS 27

CHOOSE YOUR WEAPON

lthough Porsche is defined by the 911, it has dramatically expanded its model range over the past two decades. The Boxster nameplate arrived in 1996, followed by the Cayenne SUV in 2002 and the compact Cayman sports car in 2005. The all new Panamera arrived in 2009 featuring a traditional Porsche soul clothed in a roomy four door body and, in mid-2014, the launch of the Macan added a compact SUV that set new performance standards for the class.

RACING PEDIGREE

ne month after the first car left the factory, a 356 Porsche won its first race. Indeed, ‘Race on Sunday, drive on Monday’ was the motto of many Porsche 356 drivers in the 1950s. Even today, the company continuously strives to make Ferry Porsche’s dream a reality. New technologies and visions are proven on the race track before being incorporated into future Porsche road cars. Along with its extensive racing activities around the world, Porsche has recently made a return to the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Approved refinish paint partner of Porsche For decades PPG has supplied products to the Porsche production line. Currently, this consists of various topcoat colours, as well as e-coat, including a PPG staff member supporting the Porsche e-coat application. In the latest collaboration between the two companies, Porsche AG has approved PPG paint products for use on Porsche vehicles in the refinish market. As part of the approval process, PPG demonstrated its refinish product range and processes for Porsche technical staff. This included PPG’s advanced ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat system which has proven extremely popular with prestige collision repairers thanks to its superb colour accuracy and metallic control, as well as exceptional speed, efficiency and ease of use. The relevant information about PPG subsequently becoming an

‘Approved refinish paint partner of Porsche’ is now included in the Porsche Workshop Information System, along with a ‘Porsche paint guide’ based on PPG products and processes. When you look at the premium quality, high productivity PPG products available to the collision repair industry, it’s not hard to see why Porsche is confident to approve PPG for the refinish of its vehicle range, says Paul Galea, PPG General Manager Refinish ANZ “This landmark approval from Porsche demonstrates that PPG’s advanced technologies meet the most stringent of OEM standards. It recognises the strength of PPG’s global technical expertise and the ability to effectively deliver it at the local level, not just in terms of product performance but also in offering market

leading field support and a strong geographical presence. What’s more, it adds yet another approval to a comprehensive list that includes vehicle OEMs from all corners of the globe. Today, PPG’s advanced products give modern collision centres the precise tools they need to meet and exceed OEM standards, as well as providing high productivity solutions which are perfectly suited for refinishing the most premium, R hi-tech vehicles in the world.”

REFINISHER

National Colour Matching Competition REFINISHER

Match masters PPG’s state-of-the-art NSW Training Centre was the venue for the final showdown to determine the winner of this year’s prestigious National Colour Matching Competition.

espite being asked to match two colours that would seriously test experienced paint technicians, PPG NSW Training Manager, Trevor Duke says it was very impressive to see how the young apprentices tackled the task at the

final of the PPG National Colour Matching Competition. Each competitor was allocated a workstation with only the equipment and tinters necessary to match each colour. With no formulas or start points they had one hour to match a solid ClearOver-Base colour and, after a break, another hour to match a metallic colour. For well over two decades, the PPG National Colour Matching Competition (run in conjunction with the TAFE network) has set this challenge to help apprentice paint technicians sharpen their colour matching skills. Young tradespeople get to test their skills at regional and state based lead-up competitions, with the winner from each state and territory advancing to the national final. With the 2014 final being held at PPG’s new hi-tech NSW Training Centre, Trevor got to show off what it had to offer. “The contestants and TAFE teachers were all blown away by the facilities in this place. It gave them a real understanding of what the latest technology is capable of so they could see the direction the trade is going and I think that was very exciting for them.” After helping to set up the venue, Trevor was pleased to be able to watch the progress of the final. “To start from scratch and match these colours definitely isn’t an easy thing. Some

tradespeople would struggle with them so it was a real challenge for apprentices. Obviously, they’d won at state level to get to the national final so they have experience and a good understanding of colour tools and how to use them. They were a great bunch and, even though it was a final, they were still very calm and level headed so there was some very good colour matches.” At the completion of the set time, each contestant submitted a final spray-out card of their colour (one for solid and one metallic) which was then assessed by a panel of four judges, consisting of TAFE teachers and PPG staff. Judging categories included general cleanliness, organisation and efficient use of paint, as well as colour match accuracy. After the pressure of competition, the contestants unwound with an afternoon of

National Colour Matching Competition 29

REFINISHER

FIRST PLACE – VIC – Emily Barry

Gordon Institute of TAFE • $2000 Coles Myer voucher • Mirka CEROS • SATA Vision2000 hood • Trophy SECOND PLACE – NSW – Jeremy Low

TAFE NSW • $1000 Coles Myer voucher • Mirka CEROS • Trophy THIRD PLACE – WA – Jason Bradley

Polytechnic West • $500 Coles Myer voucher • Mirka CEROS • Trophy FINALISTS (in alphabetical order)

NT – Dane Duncan – Charles Darwin University SA – Matthew Lindley – TAFE SA Regency campus TAS – Bradley Arnol – tasTAFE Note: There was no contestant from ACT or QLD

go-kart racing before dressing up for the evening dinner and presentation. Special guest speaker on the night was V8 Supercars star, Rick Kelly, from Nissan Motorsport, who gave a fantastic presentation. Then it was time for the winner to be announced with Emily Barry taking out the top prize – the second year in a row that a female apprentice R has won!

All contestants received a PPG gift bag, including PPG Race Jacket and polo shirt, along with a participation trophy.

CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

ollowing its official opening in mid-2013, the new NSW Training Centre at 10 Peter Brock Drive, Eastern Creek, Sydney, has been utilised almost constantly, according to NSW Training Manager, Trevor Duke. “Originally, we thought we’d have three days of courses per week which gave time for the necessary planning and preparation but it’s been so popular we’re actually running courses four to five days a week, along with evening sessions. A lot of it is driven by huge interest in our ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat system, with information sessions and introductory and advanced courses. However, there are multiple courses to take advantage of, including paint preparation, primer application, blending, etc. I think this new NSW Training Centre really shows PPG’s support for the industry and for developing the skills of tradespeople.”

SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS REFINISHER

A bright future In a typical collision centre workshop, LED lighting offers the ability to dramatically cut power consumption while increasing reliability and improving light quality.

hile looking for low energy solutions for the hi-tech new PPG NSW Training Centre, the project’s technology partner, Low Bake Australia, discovered a world leader in LED lighting right in our own backyard. In 2004, when brothers, Grant and Carl Amor, couldn’t find suitable underwater lighting for their boat, they established Aqualuma LED Lighting to design and manufacture their own in Australia. Today, customers include Coles, Toll Group, VISY Industries and PPG. According to Carl, converting to LED high-bay workshop lighting is definitely viable and cost effective for collision repairers. “A conventional high-bay light has a 400 Watt metal halide globe plus a 40 Watt driver so it’s consuming a total of 440 Watts. Switching to LED technology can save around 70% to 75%. In most cases we would replace the original light with a 125 Watt LED unit – and that’s total consumption. At worst it might take a 165 Watt LED unit but you are still talking less than half the power usage!”

Apart from significantly reduced energy bills, Carl points out there are many other advantages with LED technology. Because they produce dramatically less heat, LED lights don’t need to be made from alloy which offers poor reflective qualities. In contrast, LED fittings feature purpose-designed, high reflectance surfaces which direct a high percentage of light to where it’s needed and, being close to daylight standard, the quality of light is also better for working in. Another key aspect is the long life, low maintenance nature of LED technology. Indeed, Aqualuma’s LEDs come with a 100,000 hour guarantee and a five year unconditional warranty which adds to the cost effectiveness, Carl explains. “Calculating the return on investment includes a number of factors, such as maintenance. A metal halide bulb is around $50 but there’s the hassle of moving vehicles underneath and the cost of hiring

LED advantages Reduced carbon footprint Significantly reduced energy cost Long life Increased lighting quality Reduced heat No flicker or noise

a cherry picker. In contrast, you basically fit LED lights and forget about them. For a collision centre operating lighting from around 8AM to 6PM, you would expect to get a return on investment from switching to LED high-bay lights in around two to three years depending on what you are paying for electricity and if any subsidies are available. When you factor in R maintenance it’s even shorter!”

SAFETY 31

Driven by safety Whether it’s for work or leisure, driving a vehicle is generally the greatest risk the average person faces each day. That’s worth remembering every time you get behind the wheel.

otor vehicles are important to our quality of life. They make it easy to get around, see family and friends, enjoy recreational activities and efficiently complete daily tasks. In many cases, they are also an essential business tool that allows us to better serve customers. The downside is the very real inherent risk when operating a motor vehicle, despite advances in safety technology and the road system. On a very sobering note, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 1.24 million people die in motor vehicle accidents around the globe every year! While, thankfully, driving in this region is

much safer, Australia still recorded almost 1200 road deaths in 2013 with around 30,000 or more injured. In 2012, New Zealand recorded 308 deaths, along with more than 12,000 injuries. Many people reckon they can ‘multitask’ at work but there’re times when it’s not safe, such as when driving. Experts point out that the region of the brain which controls the thoughts involved with speaking overlaps with the part involved in driving a motor vehicle. Therefore, people cannot multitask two ‘thinking’ activities at the same time so if our mind is focused on, say, a telephone conversation, it can’t also focus on changing road conditions. Indeed, mobile phones are a serious issue these days. According to the WHO, drivers using mobile phones are about four times more likely to be involved in a crash than drivers who are not. Hands-free phones are only marginally safer than hand-held phones. Thanks to ever expanding traffic volumes and the growth in the number of electronic devices, there are plenty of distractions and frustrations to face while driving. Every single time we turn the ignition key we need to be mindful of those factors and use safe driving practices to give us the best chance of arriving R home safely each day.

• Keep your mind on driving and avoid distractions

Safe Driving Tips

• Don’t use a handheld mobile phone • Even in hands-free mode, ask yourself if you really need to take that call or can it wait • Absolutely do not text / SMS or web-surf when behind the wheel • Ensure you’re awake and alert – plan trips to avoid late-night driving • Always try to stay relaxed and concentrate on your own driving and safety rather than the behaviour

Safe Driving Tips of others

• Everybody makes mistake – be forgiving of other drivers

• Drive with courtesy and share the road • Drive defensively – expect the unexpected because not everyone drives with courtesy and safety

REFINISHER

CT SPOTLIGHT REFINISHER

C E N T R A L T R A N S P O R T LT D

Pride of the fleet By taking out the 2014 PPG Transport Imaging Awards, Central Transport Ltd proves that you don’t have to be a big city fleet to make a big impression.

his year’s judging process to determine New Zealand’s best commercial transport livery saw some of the closest voting in PPG Transport Imaging Awards history. Created over a decade ago by New Zealand Truck & Driver magazine and PPG, the annual accolade sees a list of monthly finalists whittled down to just three before the winner is selected.

The five person judging panel – Road Transport Forum CEO, Ken Shirley, NZ Truck & Driver’s, Trevor Woolston and Wayne Munro, and PPG NZ Business Manager, Dave White, and Business Development Manager, Mark Brearley – allocated points based on set criteria. Each of the finalists presented a distinctive visual identity. The dark green livery of Freight Lines Ltd displayed a strong and unmistakeable corporate brand, Uhlenberg Haulage Ltd featured a classic American big-rig style in lime green and white, while Central Transport Ltd (CTL) comprised deep blue and silver base colours with an elegant scripted logo. Despite using different ideas, it was interesting that they all managed to produce outstanding results, says NZ Truck & Driver editor, Wayne Munro. “There was a total of 110 points available, yet only

a few points separated the top three placings which shows this was a really high level of finalists. I think it shows that fleets see the value in the image they portray. The feedback from fleet owners is that it’s positive in every way to have a modern, professional image. Indeed, it’s not even necessarily about being modern – one previous finalist had quite a traditional colour scheme from when the company started in the 1940s! It was so distinctive they had just freshened the livery and kept the traditional scrollwork. It’s about instant identification and this year’s award winner, CTL, is a standout example. The primary blue colour is quite dark but there’s nothing else like it on the road, so there’s no mistaking a CTL truck. And, the way they look after the appearance of their fleet and entire operation is a real credit to them. You might expect that from a big national fleet but CTL is based in a tiny town, called Reporoa, in the central north island.” A key feature of the winning livery is how well it works across the company’s diverse range of about 40 vehicles. CTL’s operations cover a variety of work and truck configurations, including livestock units, bulk tippers, fertiliser spreaders and tanker

CT SPOTLIGHT 33

units, and PPG’s Dave White was particularly impressed with the scheme’s ability to suit so many truck and trailer combinations. “Considering its use, the entire unit is clean, sharp and striking. Good use of branding across both truck and trailer accentuates the colour choice.” The paint scheme has remained virtually unchanged since 2001 when owner / drivers, Rhys Adlam, and current owner, Brendon Cane, bought Stuart Harvey Ltd and changed the name to CTL. In an effort to create a strong identity for the fledgling company, they chose a combination of blue and silver with a CTL logo centrepiece devised by Tony Hill Signs. A long term association with Archer Spray Painters (a member of PPG’s FleetPool Network) in Rotorua has ensured the durable, high quality appearance is duplicated across the entire fleet using PPG products. In fact, it was Archer’s Workshop Manager, Rick Osborne, who put CTL forward for the prestigious award. CTL owner, Brendon Cane, was rapt to win the PPG Transport Imaging Award, especially considering the quality of the competition.

“All the credit goes to Tony Hill and Archers for their work over the years. PPG has also made the work of keeping the colour scheme consistent much easier, with a comprehensive folder (PPG FleetSpec) that details the colour codes for all the shades of paint we use.” While hand delivering the winner’s trophy and $2500 travel voucher, PPG’s Mark Brearley got an insight into just how seriously CTL takes its image. “I think the CTL livery is very smart and quite striking, with colours that really complement each other. When I got to their headquarters in Reporoa it was quite obvious it’s a companywide culture. Everyone is very cheerful, the workshop is neat and clean and even the gardens are immaculate. I think is R shows we made the right decision!” Special thanks to New Zealand Truck & Driver magazine.

REFINISHER

Locally and around the globe, PPG has a close connection to the Commercial Transport sector. This sees PPG’s dedicated CT product, DELFLEET ® Evolution premium commercial paint system used by both vehicle manufacturers and the refinish industry. Then there is the unique PPG FleetPool Network – a region-wide network of accredited independent CT repairers and refinishers who specialise in the repair, re-livery and refurbishment of heavy vehicles, from trucks, vans and buses, to trailers and other heavy equipment.

For more information, contact your PPG Representative or PPG’s Customer Service Hotline 0800 320 320 (NZ) or 13 24 24 (Aust).

CUSTOMER’S CARS REFINISHER

Vehicles: VK Group A Brock replica

Blue Meanie tribute

Owner: Jim, Chris, Con and George Angelis Bodyshop: Angel Smash & Mechanical Repairs

Submit your masterpiece Proud of the job you’ve done building your hot rod, custom vehicle or refurbished original?

e’re aiming to showcase interesting reader’s cars in upcoming issues of The Refinisher. If you’ve put the hard work into your automotive pride and joy, then drop us a line at enquiries@ppg.com. To get started, send us some basic details (no more than 200 words) about your ride and the project to build it, along with one photo (reduced to 1MB or less) and your contact details. Once we’ve allocated a spot in a future issue of The Refinisher we’ll contact you for further information.

hen they were young, the four Angelis brothers used to customise and paint their pushbikes so they always looked great which is what led them to the auto repair game, according to Jim Angelis. It also gave them the resources to build something special. “When we were younger and a VK Group A Brock Commodore pulled up it was just amazing. To have one now you either spend a lot of money to buy an original, or do a lot of work and build a replica. It started with a good VK bodyshell which we stripped down and rebuilt. It might not have the ID tag but it’s as close as possible to a genuine VK Brock. The ‘Formula Blue’ paintwork is one of the most important things and we were able to research the colour on the PPG system, mix it and apply it. We use it for social events and the odd car club charity event R and it’s definitely a ‘keeper’.”

New requirements and standards are accelerating change in the collision repair industry. Are you prepared?

Unlock the potential with PPGâ€™s Turn Key Options.

Waterborne

Quality Control & Repair Management

Repair Methods

Collision Centre Audits

Training

The PPG toolbox ticks all the boxes and has your business needs covered. For more information or to find out who your local PPG representative is, call 13 24 24. www.ppgrefinish.com.au

Workflow Processes

Business Management Software

Support Network

Accelerate your innovation with PPG

Innovation in waterborne technology Featuring the very latest waterborne coatings technology, including a totally unique PPG developed latex binder, ENVIROBASE® High Performance waterborne basecoat system is like no other refinish paint system. Building on ten-years of proven PPG waterborne experience, it represents a quantum leap forward. As well as an eco-friendly choice, this innovative formulation comes with an unmatched combination of extraordinary speed, efficiency and versatility. The unrivalled ease of use is highlighted by superb colour accuracy and effortless blending and mottle control. Envirobase High Performance waterborne basecoat system is the ideal way to put your collision centre at the leading edge of the ‘green’ revolution, while ensuring you have all the attributes to maximise paint shop productivity and profitability. Contact your PPG representative or the customer service hotline 13 24 24 (Aust) or 0800 320 320 (NZ) for more information. www.ppgrefinish.com.au