| 55 AUTOMOTIVE City Collision Repairs Bay Ford Napier Ford Ranger Helping drive businesses in the Bay. City Collision Repairs Proud to support BDONew Zealand Limited, a New Zealand limited liability company, is a member of BDO International Limited, a UK company limited by guarantee, and forms part of the international BDO network of independent member firms. BDONew Zealand is a national association of independent member firms, including BDO Hawke’s Bay which operate as separate legal entities. Lisa Townshend Partner Glenn Fan-Robertson Partner Heather Hallam Managing Partner Michael Nes Partner Emma Cook Partner Proud to be backing business in the Bay BDO Hawke’s Bay Accounting | Advisory | Tax | Audit ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited 05/26 23603 anz.co.nz To find out how ANZ can help you achieve your goals, contact Edwina Simcox (Regional Manager) 021 644 865 or Sarah Press (Senior Relationship Manager) 027 228 0641 ANZ is proud to support City Collision Repairs T T Russell Fredric Savvy repairer always moving with the times From its Napier base, the company repairs everything from everyday passenger vehicles to commercial fleets. Keeping pace with technology has been the defining factor behind City Collision Repairs reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading automotive panel and paint businesses. From its Napier base, the company repairs everything from everyday passenger vehicles to commercial fleets, combining highly trained technicians with advanced equipment designed to return modern vehicles to manufacturer standards. Director Chris Greaney says the business has continually evolved alongside the automotive industry, investing in both technology and training as vehicles have become increasingly sophisticated. “We’ve evolved from making wagon wheels and horse carts to repairing Teslas. Over 110 years, the business has continually changed with the times and kept up with technology and training.” Modern collision repair bears little resemblance to the trade of decades ago. Vehicles now incorporate advanced materials, complex safety systems and construction methods that require specialised repair processes. Computerised measuring systems can assess vehicle alignment to within a millimetre using factory specifications, while modern repair techniques increasingly rely on adhesives, rivets and specialised welding technologies rather than traditional methods. “I honestly believe today’s tradespeople are technicians. What they do is far more complex than what’s ever been done before. If vehicles aren’t repaired to manufacturer standards, they’re simply not as safe as they should be.” The company’s capability was significantly enhanced in 2010 when it moved into a purpose-built facility that remains highly regarded within the industry. The move increased workshop space from about 680sqm to 1100sqm and included new spray booths and the latest repair technology available at the time. The additional capacity immediately improved efficiency and created room for future growth. “We moved across the road with one less staff member and increased turnover by about a third in the first year. Since then, turnover has increased fourfold and we’re doing four times the work we were doing in the old building.” Chris believes the facility still has significant untapped capacity. Plans are currently being explored for a second spray booth, potentially incorporating an all-electric system powered in part by solar energy. Alongside investment in equipment, City Collision Repairs has placed a strong emphasis on workforce development. Seven of the company’s 18 staff members are currently completing New Zealand qualifications in collision repair or automotive refinishing. The apprenticeship programme includes both young New Zealanders entering the trade, and migrant workers who are gaining skills and qualifications and in the process securing their futures. “If we don’t train people, we won’t have a workforce. For many years not enough apprentices were coming through the industry, and now there’s a significant shortage of qualified technicians.” While insurance repairs account for the majority of work, the business also undertakes fleet repairs, private customer work and a steady stream of classic and vintage vehicle restorations. These restoration projects are often driven more by passion than profit, reflecting a long-standing connection to New Zealand’s classic car community. “There’s always a classic car in the workshop. “We do them because we enjoy them. They generally take far more time than you can charge for, but they’re rewarding projects to be involved with.” This year in December City Collision Repairs celebrates 110 years in business. “The company has a great history. We’ve been supporting and employing Hawke’s Bay people for 110 years, and that’s something we’re incredibly proud of.”
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