The February issue of Collision Management is now available online. You can flip through it here, but first, a few words from the Editor-in-Chief of Collision Management, Huw Evans.

A Cleaner, Better Shop

Technology and technique are changing the face of the repair process.

I remember when I was working as an agent in the collision repair car rental business many years ago. At the time, of the more than eight collision centres we dealt with, just one was really considered a professionally managed operation. Today, that same facility is still there, stronger than ever—in fact, the owner is now an MSO. Many of the other smaller facilities we worked with back then are no longer in business, which made me think just how dramatic the transformation of our industry has become in the last two decades.

New approach, new tools

Our cover story this issue reflects that change. 3M Canada has been working hard at developing new generation repair products, all designed to make the process of fixing a car, SUV or truck better, faster and more efficient. Recent examples include the much-acclaimed 3M PPS Series 2 Spray Cup system and line of Cubitron II abrasives. You can read all about it, beginning on page 14.

Sticking with the concept of transformation, another repair trend that has been growing by leaps and bounds is nitrogen welded plastic repairs. Not too long ago, if a TPO bumper cover or trim piece was cracked, there was little you could do except throw it away and get another. Today, nitrogen-plastic welding is changing the industry and making plastic repairs more practical and more affordable than ever, with outstanding results. And let’s not forget the growth in aluminum and mixed material structures, which require their own special skills and requirements, more details on which can be found in the following pages.

An exciting time

There’s no question that it’s a very interesting (and exciting) time to be involved with the collision repair industry and we’re excited to share some of our concepts and ideas with you, both within the pages of this magazine and online.

It takes a dedicated team to succeed in this and other business and I would like to say a big thank you to our readers for their continued support, as well as our columnists, contributors, sales, and production team, that have helped make Collision Management a resounding success. I sincerely hope 2018 brings all of us success, and prosperity—here’s to being part of an incredible industry!

Click here to read the February issue of Collision Management