Page 88 - Australasian Paint & Panel Magazine Sep-Oct 2019

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VIC – LARGE
PAINT&PANEL SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2019 WWW.PAINTANDPANEL.COM.AU
FLAGSTAFF AUTOBODY REPAIR SPECIALISTS
FLAGSTAFF AUTOBODY REPAIR SPECIALISTS IN KENSINGTON STARTED OUT SPECTACULARLY WINNING BEST NEW SHOP BACK IN 2012 AND HAS CONTINUED TO IMPROVE YEAR ON YEAR.
SHOP STATS
POWELL’S POINTS
W
s
SIZE: 7000m2
STAFF: 24
TYPE OF REPAIRS: All types AVG CARS REPAIRED PW: 40
AVG KEY TO KEY: Drive 2-3 days Non Drive 7-10 days
A huge comprehensive repair
centre with complete,
separate panel and paint areas
to complement the excellent
workflow that caters for the high volume large and small repairs. This repair centre functions calmly due to Flagstaff’s own workshop management programme. Well-done boys.
HAT’S NOT TO LIKE AT FLAGSTAFF
Autobody Repair Specialists? It is a large, extremely well equipped, beautifully pre- ented family business, that looks as good, if not better than the day it opened. There aren’t many shops who invest in a full time cleaner but keeping the shop spotless at all times has built a team culture of pride
in their working conditions.
It’s been a steady climb towards perfec-
tion for John Barry and his two sons Dan- iel and Chris, who are all passionate about the business. They have been tweaking and experimenting over the years so that the business works
like a well oiled ma- chine. They have de- veloped their own workshop manage-
ABOVE: A perfect paintshop, and it’s huge.
RIGHT: Daniel, John and Chris Barry.
ment system Touchflow which they run alongside iBodyshop. While they special- ise in fleet repairs they are also approved for IAG, Progressive AI insurance, Huddle and Woolworths
While finding skilled technicians is a challenge everyone in the industry shares, the Barrys have created a work- ing environment that has attracted and kept staff, with many ‘long termers’ on the team. The business is uncompromis- ing about quality with checks in place at each stage of the repair. Big bays allow the panel beaters to work in comfort with everything they need nearby. The parts room and parts receiving are sepa-
rate to avoid mix ups and the parts room is immaculate.
Barry has a clear vision for Flagstaff, its business plan and its DNA. An example of high standards is the custom-built light tunnel inspection bay in the paintshop.
Flagstaff is another example that insur- ers respond well to good quality, custom- er-focussed repairs and brisk cycle times and send customers there even though there may be other repairers nearby who might undertake the repair for less money.
Flagstaff never stands still and the next plan is another branch in the south east “to enable a wider logistical presence to our partnered suppliers”, says Daniel.
We ask our finalists why they think they should win and Daniel has summed up very nicely: “We have a very high standard with regard to the work we produce. We place a high value on our staff and the culture within the busi- ness. We have robust processes and a collective constant improvement men- tality. We are also proud to be an inde- pendently owned family business.”