First waterborne Conversion in PEI

Monday, 19 July 2010 07:40

A change in mentality is valuable only when it results in a change of practice; something Paul Gaudet, manager of City Collision Services, knows very well.

About seven months ago, Paul and his staff began thinking more about environmental issues, and what their collision centre could do to help. The result was a transformation of the shop's practices, including using greener cleaning products, consuming less electricity with new compressors, and finally, becoming the first collision centre in Prince Edward Island to convert to waterborne.

"We're doing things now that won't make any difference to me, but for my grandchildren several years down the road this will have a big impact," says Paul. He cites environmental benefits as well as the workers' well being as the main reasons for the conversion.

City Collision Services' conversion to waterborne was a huge success according to Ken Barter, AkzoNobel Atlantic manager.

"Everything went very well," says Ken. "After two days of training the guys picked up on it very quickly. We just let them go at it," he says.

With limited government encouragement and an extension in the deadlne for waterborne conversion, Paul felt it was his duty to set the right example. "In the background you always know it's happening, it's just a matter of whether or not you want to in the forefront," he says.

Even though there will be a time when all collision centres are converted, as Paul says, "It's better to do it now rather than later."

Originally published in Collision Repair magazine Volume 7 Issue 1.

Last Updated on Monday, 19 July 2010 08:14

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