Bodyshop equipment 43 www.aftermarketonline.net NOVEMBER 2024 AkzoNobel’s automotive training centre in Didcot, Oxford, recently hosted the Ageas sustainability day, an event focused on exploring the best in sustainable practices within the automotive industry. Paul Llewellyn, head of Ageas Motor Claims, highlighted the importance of developing sustainable solutions from industry suppliers. Experts from AkzoNobel then focused on the success of its new sustainable repair network, which provides a suite of tools and processes for vehicle repair shops to measure, monitor, and improve their CO2 performance. An afternoon session was dedicated to practical demonstrations of AkzoNobel’s products, including a complete vehicle repair process completed in about 35 minutes, with the paint spray booth temperature maintained at no higher than 21°C. Paul James, strategic accounts manager vehicle refinishes UK & Ireland at AkzoNobel, said: “Collaborating with industry leaders to drive sustainability in the vehicle refinishes market is a key priority for us.” The event featured presentations from AEC Solar and UNIC, who showcased their portfolios of sustainable products. An expert from Thatcham gave a presentation on workforce sustainability, emphasising the need for a human element in sustainable practices. www.sikkensvr.com Smart way to tackle repair costs ACIS, the UK network of independent distributors to the accident repair industry, is reporting a growing number of multi-site and mobile smart repair specialists are reducing their operating costs by up to 20% — by using its electronic ordering platform AIMS Lite. ACIS introduced AIMS Lite last year as a sister product to its well-established bodyshop inventory management system AIMS. AIMS Lite allows a business operator to set predefined stock profiles and levels for each repair pod or van, giving full control over which products every unit can access. Remote working technicians place their daily orders via a tablet or smartphone and receive exactly what they want without the need for phone calls to branches or a head office. ACIS said technicians have welcomed the system as the software only features the products they are allowed to order. This means it is fast and easy to navigate, saving valuable time by simplifying and speeding up the entire process, delivering greater financial control, efficiency and utilisation. John Matthews, ACIS chief executive officer said multi-site operators of mobile or pod-based smart repair facilities are increasingly turning to AIMS Lite as their businesses grow. “We developed AIMS Lite as a webbased application to make the ordering process quicker and easier, so it can be used on any mobile device to place orders 24/7, even when the distribution branch is not open.” For details call 01926 844840. AkzoNobel drive for sustainability Norton has precision work taped Saint-Gobain Abrasives has launched its Norton premium automotive masking tape which is optimised for the paint masking process. The tape delivers sharp paint lines and protection in collision repair applications including spray-paint preparation and high-temperature painting. The company said the product offers a superior, rubber-based adhesive for a variety of surfaces such as painted metal, rubber and glass, enabling clean removal after bake cycles of up to 248°F/120°C. The tape features a specially designed, flexible crepe paper backing, making the application process easier by enhancing visibility and conformability to curves and contours without tearing. Compatible with water-borne and solvent-based paints, it is the professional painter’s choice for quick application in markets including automotive collision repair. Alicia Castagna, adhesives and sealants product manager, said: “Customers have reported that it outperforms the competition in nearly every way, including staying firmly attached to itself without any leakage during the paint application as well as for clean, easy removal.” Due to its special rubber-based adhesive, the tape is easy to unwind, while providing high tack. It is also UV resistant for up to three days of outdoor exposure and temperatures up to 190°F/90°C for up to one hour and 248°F/120°C for up to 30 minutes. www.nortonabrasives.com
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