Putting vendors in control with a smart approach to repair and refurbishment

“We are right at the cutting edge of repair technology,” says Mark Holliday, Technical Services Manager at grs. “We’re continually investing in the latest tools and techniques and are working at the very highest levels.”

As soon as vehicle inspections are completed and the level of work to be undertaken has been agreed with the vendor, Mark’s 50-strong team swings into action, working in two shifts across a total of 16 hours a day. Offering a comprehensive repair and refurbishment service for any make or model of vehicle on-site, the workshop plays a key role in the grs de-fleeting service. Laid out on a production line basis for maximum efficiency, repairs can be completed on up to 50 cars in a single day ensuring vehicles are ready for sale as quickly as possible.

Vehicles are logged into the workshop using a bespoke computer system which ensures the team knows the exact location of each one and how far through the repair process it is at any time. They then make their way through an ‘active grid’ which begins with panel repairs and moves on to preparation, painting, refitting and polishing, culminating with a stringent quality control check.

The workshop team uses the latest technology including the Miracle system which enables larger dents to be repaired without the need to replace whole panels – creating impressive results while at the same time keeping costs as low as possible. Scratches and smaller dents are treated using the revolutionary SMART (Small Medium Area Repair Technique) approach which can also reduce time and costs by focusing on the area that needs to be fixed, rather than repairing a larger surface area.

Yet investing in the latest technology and the most up-to-date techniques is only part of the story – grs also continually invests in training. “As a result, we’re able to take these techniques to an extremely high level,” says Mark. “We surpass our own expectations and those of vendors, who are often astonished by the results.”

Mark goes on to say that his technicians are not motivated by doing a good job – but by doing the best work they possibly can. “They’re continually pushing the boundaries and have a real sense of professional pride. There are very few people able to match the work they do.”

Once repairs have been completed, vehicles are cleaned or can receive a full valet, depending on the vendor’s requirements. With room for 4,500 vehicles on-site they can also be stored or prepared for dispatch on a transporter. “What’s important is that vendors are completely in control, as they decide how much or how little work they want us to do,” concludes Mark. “What’s more, we’re able to achieve top quality results cost-effectively because of the smart way in which we work – which really does represent the best of both worlds.”