LAS VEGAS – The Collision Industry Conference (CIC) held its final 2008 meeting November 4. Here are some of the highlights.
Mark Claypool, from Verifacts and Mentors at Work, discussed “lean” apprenticeships – training new workers to work in a lean production environment using lean techniques. Claypool broke the process into five steps:
Sort – Reduce clutter, keep only what’s truly need to perform a task.
Systematize – A place for everything, and everything in its place.
Shine/Scrub – A clean work environments creates better work.
Standardize – Make sure your new workers understand your standardized procedures.
Sustain – Make a commitment to nourish a culture of continuous improvement.
Toby Chess discussed the importance of understanding the “build sequence” – the sequence in which parts are assembled at an auto manufacturing plant. Chess also described how advanced High Strength Steels (HSS) function at the molecular level. Chess noted that the closer the molecules are to one another, the stronger the steel. When this steel is heated, the molecules move farther apart, turning high strength steel into “mild” steel.
The Insurer Relations Committee discussed whether a recycled or remanufactured part should be considered an OEM parts. CIC attendees suggested that these parts be referred to as “OEM remanufactured parts.”
During the Governmental Committee presentation, Holly Wilson, of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reviewed the Collision Repair Campaign, a government led effort to help shops reduce emissions, protect workers and neighborhoods, and save money. Information is available at www.epa.gov/air/toxicair/community/collision.html. The EPA is looking for regional reps and collision industry members to be partners in the program. The EPA already has partnered with ASA and NADA.
During a discussion on access to OEM parts information, Chrysler announced it was lowering its fees and was now charging a one-time $25 access fee. NACE attendees who stop by the Chrysler booth (N#3077) can sign up for free.
Speaking for the Repair Standards Committee, Jeff Patti discussed his plans to move forward setting standards. His plan includes reviewing and creating best practices, establishing a clearinghouse for them, reaching out to organizations outside CIC and soliciting support from standards bodies. Industry members are encouraged to post their thoughts on standards at www.collisionindustrystandards.org.
The Parts Committee reported on recycled wheels, with Roger McClellan of Saturn Wheel, discussing the steps his company takes to ensure only structurally sound wheels are returned to the market. McClellan also gave suggestions for shops looking for quality recycled wheels suppliers. Those included asking suppliers if they have a quality management system in place, if they have specific tolerances and parameters in place and record them by serial number and if they have a criteria for eliminating wheels that should not be repaired. The committee also reported position statements from automakers regarding recycled wheels. Wheel grading standards are available at www.a-r-a.org.
CIC also honored outgoing chair Stacy Bartnik. Bartnik thanked committee chairs and vice-chairs. Jeff Hendler thanked Bartnik for her service and presented her with a custom-made jacket and a fifth of scotch. Incoming chair Russell Thrall III discussed the history of the industry and CIC and announced one of his chief initiatives. “I’m going to start by asking you to participate. You need to get involved,” Thrall told CIC attendees.
