Caliber Collision Centers Hosts Consolidation Panel at CAA Autobody Expo '98

30 September 1998

Caliber Collision Centers Hosts Consolidation Panel at CAA Autobody Expo '98

    IRVINE, Calif.--(AutomotiveWire)--Sept. 30, 1998--Caliber Collision Centers hosted a panel on "Understanding Collision Industry Consolidation" to an audience of independent auto body shop owners and insurance executives on August 30 at the California Autobody Association's Autobody Expo '98, in Ontario, Calif.
    Charlie Baker, publisher of Collision Repair Industry INSIGHT, led the panel discussion on the future of collision industry consolidation. Baker discussed the different effects that consolidation can have on the consumer, the shop owner and the insurance claims personnel. Other speakers included Bill Lawrence of Caliber Collision Centers, Erick Bickett of FIX Auto, Rod Enlow of USAA, Tom Holmes of Holmes Body Shop, Ray Trevethan of AAA and Bart Greenberg of Riordan & McKenzie.
    "Collision repair is a $24 billion industry," explained Baker. "Consolidating independent shops can be a very positive experience for the owner. Those who have sold their shops can vouch for that."
    Other panel members agreed that consolidation, while not the solution for everyone, does work to fulfill insurer and consumer demand for better, faster and more cost-efficient repairs.
    "Well capitalized, efficient businesses like Caliber Collision Centers have a lot to offer the shop owners, their employees, and their customers," stated Lawrence. "Training, career opportunities and competitive compensation and benefit packages reflect our commitment to employee development. Our strong focus on quality repairs, reduced cycle time and frequent communication is well received by both consumer and insurer."
    Enlow, claims program administrator for USAA, explained to the audience that there are many potential benefits to auto collision consolidation. "With consolidation will hopefully come a more positive image for the collision repair industry. Brand recognition is a major benefit of consolidation. Consumers will come to know and trust the shop simply because of the name, and will be comfortable going to any of its locations for their automobile repair needs."
    Founded in 1991, Caliber is an operator of high quality collision repair facilities in California and Texas. Caliber plans to continue acquiring high quality, high volume collision repair centers, while providing complete automobile physical damage claims support.
    For more information call 949/224-0300 or address e-mail to julie.schoen@calibercollision.com.