Courtesy BASF Competence Center
BASF recently opened its first automotive “competence center” in the Southwest, a training facility that includes the latest, state-of-the-art equipment and products from the global paint and refinish company. The training helps shops maximize the performance and efficiency by improving the technicians’ ability to choose appropriate products and processes for different jobs. Courses provide for the BASF VisionPlus Warranty, I-CAR credit and nearly all OEM training requirements for warranty work. The purpose of the facility, according to BASF, is to enable next-generation training for all job functions in the repair shop. The center will eventually even be capable of virtual training.
1 The Color Lab shows off BASF’s latest color tools, mixing systems, color matching equipment and more. It has special lights for ideal color correction and color matching. A wall-mounted television simulcasts whatever the instructor is doing so everyone can see.
2 The facility’s two conference rooms can be configured in a number of different ways to accommodate the specific needs of each class, including all of BASF’s advanced process solutions training, vision plus training and other value-added services. The training technicians and other workers receive in these rooms help to increase shop productivity, improve cycle time and move more cars through the shop. Jobbers can also use the meeting rooms for their customers.
3 BASF has installed SpectraTek curing lights that emit infrared light to dry paint faster. They work with BASF’s light-activated UV primers to accelerate curing.
4 A large Garmat spray booth has a downdraft system and the capacity to have six students working on separate jobs in the booth at a time. Ceiling fans help flash off water-borne paint and curing lights reduce drying time. Keeping safety a priority, all of the air inside the booth is breathable.
5 The paint prep area is large enough to be used for training and can double as another paint booth.
6 The Wall charts in the mixing room provide aid when mixing paint and adjusting color to ensure accurate color matching.
