Paint manufacturer Standox, is helping bodyshops to rise to the challenges of a changing repair market with a focus on new products and services designed to boost business and improve productivity.

Standox EMEA Brand Manager Olaf Adamek says, “Increasing competitive pressure, the growing role played by insurers and new technologies all demand a flexible response from bodyshops. These challenges not only relate to advances in paint technologies and refinishing techniques, but also to advances in automotive engineering such as new propulsion technologies and intelligent driver assistance systems.” Adamek believes these changes have caused refinishers to fear the loss of accident business over the medium term and says that bodyshops need to view the introduction of such systems as an opportunity. He comments, “Less severe accidents can mean fewer total write-offs, resulting in more work for damage repair professionals.”

In testing market situations, Adamek says the key task for paint manufacturers is to provide bodyshops with exactly those products and services which enable them to deliver perfect results every time. He also says Standox are well aware that the needs and requirements of bodyshops differ considerably. He points out the large repair centres and those cooperating with insurance companies will put a premium on efficiency and the highest possible vehicle throughput, while others may attach greater importance to easy processing.
“Because of these different requirements, we offer our partner bodyshops flexible product systems which meet their specific needs,” Adamek explains.

In the field of colour management, Standox also relies on customised solutions. “We lead the industry in the development of digital colour tools, but we are aware that not all our customers want such high-tech devices in their bodyshops. This is why we continue to improve and to update our proven Colorbox system,” says Adamek.  

Standox are also working on future innovations as  Adamek explains, “Currently we are working on a new clearcoat which will offer several unique properties and a primer that can be used on different substrates. We support our customers not only with forward-looking products, but also with comprehensive consultancy services and training opportunities.” He adds. “We have also just developed a modern e-learning tool, which will soon be available. It will allow refinishers to undergo further training on an in-house basis in line with the bodyshop’s time management needs.”