CARSTAR has announced the addition of its latest facility in Eastern Alberta—CARSTAR Bonnyville.

Owned and operated by Brad Szydlik, the collision repair centre is located at 5811 – 54th Avenue, Bonnyville in Alta. Joining the network with more than 22 years of industry experience, Szydlik began his career as an auto body repair technician. He then transitioned to restoration work for some time before eventually returning to the collision repair industry. He has nurtured ambitions of the continued growth of his business ever since he opened his own repair centre in 2015.

“It was easy for me to recognize the amount of change that happened in the collision repair industry because I was not in it during one of its most significant periods of advancement,” says Szydlik. “When I came back, being a part of a banner was important and I really did my research to find the right fit. I also felt like CARSTAR did its due diligence to make sure I checked out as well, which instilled further confidence in my choice to join this network.”

Spread out over a 929 sq m (10,000 sq. ft.) area, the CARSTAR Bonnyville facility is currently aluminum certified and has plans to obtain further accreditations such as OEM and I-CAR certifications. Located in an area with a high percentage of domestic vehicles, the facility has ample experience in repairing these types of cars and trucks.

“Performance for our network has always been at the forefront, so it is key for new stores joining the CARSTAR family to have that commitment to stay up to date on training,” says Mike Piper, Western Zone Director, CARSTAR. “Brad and his team in Bonnyville align well with the CARSTAR values and we are excited to have them in the network and support their growth plans.”

A believer in giving back to the community, Szydlik plans to continue lending his support to the Bonnyville community by sponsoring local golf tournaments, hockey teams, car shows as well as contributing towards charitable causes.