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A new British Standard Kitemark
for bodyshops became available to the industry in February 2007
and AW Repair Group is proud to announce that it is one of only
a handful of bodyshop groups to already achieve the accreditation
at all its locations.
 AW
Repair Group are able to display the prestigious British Standard
Kitemark logo at their premises.
The BSI PAS125 Kitemark is a
joint initiative between Thatcham, the motor industry research and
training centre, the British Standards Institute and is backed by
the UK Insurance industry. The aim of this new quality and safety
standard is to ensure that only those businesses that invest in
equipment, people, process and methods will be able to repair crash
vehicles.
Most UK insurers are making the
new accreditation a condition of approved bodyshop status. Whilst
a short period of grace has been allowed for bodyshops to pass the
audit process, all approved repairers will be asked to prove that
they are making tangible steps towards the accreditation.
Managing Director Andrew Walsh
said: "This is a significant turn in the evolution of bodyshops
in the UK and will result in certain operators falling to the wayside.
While it has been costly and time-consuming we had little hesitation
in adopting the PAS 125 Kitemark safety standard.
"The process is very rigorous
and everyone involved is to be congratulated," he continued.
"I think one of the best aspects of the accreditation is the
constant monitoring.
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"It is
not just a case of achieving the status, putting up a certificate
and then carrying on as before. BSI return every few months to carry
out audits to ensure those processes and procedures are being adhered
to. If not, the Kitemark can be rescinded at any time."
Manufacturers are constantly
striving to improve the quality, reliability, safety and affordability
of the modern day vehicle.
This includes using new materials
such as Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) in the most crucial
areas of the vehicle affected on accident impact.
These light yet strong boron
steels and aluminums are now used regularly in chassis and other
vital parts of the vehicles construction but improper repair methods
and techniques will compromise the vehicles strength and occupants'
safety.
Only investment in powerful Inverta
welding technology, and ATA trained technicians will ensure a high
quality repair comparable to factory standards.
The BSI Kitemark assures vehicle
owners that AW Repair Group continually invests in the latest and
safest repair methods to maintain the integrity of your vehicle
post-repair.
Computerised wheel and chassis alignment equipment is also used
providing printed reports providing an auditable process for your
reassurance.
Sadly not all bodyshops take
the responsibility of safety seriously and should not attempt to
repair modern day vehicles without the correct method, equipment
and trained people.
By choosing AW Repair Group and the Kitemark you know you are in
safe hands.
By choosing AW Repair Group and
the Kitemark you know you are in safe hands.
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