Axalta’s three global refinish brands, Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox are helping bodyshops stay ahead of the game with the announcement of additional training dates.

The global refinish giant says that with a marked increase in SMART repairs, as well as the techniques needed to carry out repairs on more complex finishes, bodyshops need to be not only at the top of their game, but ahead of it. Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox, have therefore added more training opportunities in these specific fields to their 2018 training course programmes enabling refinishers to meet the diverse needs of vehicle owners with productive, accurate, top quality repairs.

Kevin Welling, Training Academy Manager for Axalta Coating Systems says, “We have noticed a rising trend in bodyshops carrying out small to medium sized repairs, which are quick and easy to process, benefiting both the bodyshops and vehicle owners. But for bodyshops to maximise the benefit, they need to be properly trained in the correct repair techniques. To support bodyshops with training in this field, Cromax, Spies Hecker and Standox have added additional dates to their respective Speed Repair, Fast Repair and Micro Repair training courses throughout 2018.”

Kevin points out at the other end of the spectrum, there are a growing number of high-end vehicles sporting complex finishes such as textured matts and tinted clears, which require an extra level of expertise to repair. Refinishers also need training in these specialised areas. He says, “We introduced courses for these types of repair a few years ago, but the level of demand has steadily grown as more OEMs are now using these finishes. Refinishers are looking for high-quality training so that they can offer outstanding repairs to this new clientele. These training courses are very popular and filling up fast.”

Training takes place at the Axalta Refinish Academy in Welwyn Garden City, Hertfordshire, where each brand has its own dedicated training room, mixing area and spray booth. As well as the full complement of courses offered by the three brands, refinishers can also undertake IMI assessment training.

The available courses are:

Cromax

• Advanced Cromax Basecoat training
• ChromaManager training course
• Cromax Basecoat tri-coat application course
• Cromax colour matching course
• Fast Repair package
• Introduction to Imron
• Matt and tinted clear finishes course
• PSA textured matt training course

Spies Hecker

• Advanced Permahyd 280 Basecoat training
• ColorDialog Delta Scan spectrophotometer training
• ColorDialog spectrophotometer training
• Matt and tinted clear finishes course
• Permahyd colour college training
• Permahyd Hi-TEC Performance System training
• PSA textured matt training course
• Speed Repair training
• Three-stage paint system training

Standox

• Advanced Standohyd application training
• Micro Repair course
• Standohyd colouristic course
• Standox Genius+ colour tool course
• Standox three-stage colour course
• Matt and tinted clear finishes course
• PSA textured matt training course

The following IMI courses can be booked through any of the brands’ webshops:

• IMI/AOM pre-assessment day
• IMI/AOM re-accreditation
• IMI full route accreditation
• IMI cosmetic repair technician assessment

Courses can be booked from each of the brands’ webshops - www.cromastore.co.uk, www.spiesheckerwebshop.co.uk, www.standoshop.co.uk - where course dates and more detailed information can be found.