Armstrong AutoBody in Botany was set up in 2019, initially to primarily cater to the Armstrong Group Dealerships plus some external work. It was setup to do light non-structural repairs using the Smart or Rapid style. Being built by a group more used to new vehicles it has some unique features including a special handover bay that is modelled on the new car delivery bays in a franchise dealership.

The building is quite long with the panel prep and bake ovens along one wall which has led to a somewhat different way of handling repair workflow with the team members moving between cars as they complete their work, rather than cars moving around functional areas (except for the painting). This does have an added benefit of reducing the risk for any damage to vehicles as they are moved around.

As more external clients became repeat customers there was a growing demand for heavy structural repairs so they invested in a state-of-the-art Car-o-Liner chassis straightening and 3D measuring system and suitable welding equipment to complete OEM approved repairs. With Armstrong Group representing 16 car Marques they have easy access to original specifications for repairing and great parts networks.

The job flow system is all computerised with a large central screen to track jobs.

With most of the new car brands they represent being  involved in EV’s they specified an Environmentally friendly PPG paint system which features a specialty clear coat that allows lower temperature and shorter bake times to avoid any risk of damage to the EV batteries.

A recent addition that is being kept busy is a specialist Wheeltec wheel refinishing system for alloy wheel repairs, this is backed by the paint shop’s ability to clear coat and or paint wheel sections as required.

GM Aaron Hodge commented that whilst 80 percent of the work initially came from within the group, this has now switched to 80 percent external work with repeat clients and word of mouth referrals driving strong growth.