By Jeff Sanford
Detroit, Michigan — August 3, 2015 — The Western Canadian collision repair industry continues to evolve its own unique complexion. Recently, well-known chain Craftsman Collision bought up Richmond BC-based equipment supplier Wedge Clamp Systems.
The acquisition makes sense. The two companies have long operated in tandem, as Craftsman Collision uses Wedge Clamp equipment exclusively. Now the two are a team; it is expected that Wedge Clamp will begin expanding its footprint. The company has concentrated to this point on the home market of Canada. But with the financial backing of Bill Hatswell and his Craftsman Group of Companies, Wedge Clamp is poised for a new beginning. “Buying the company means I can personally ensure the company’s long-term health – and parts and equipment supplies for our customers and shops,” Hatswell has been quoted as saying.
These are exciting times for Wedge Clamp, no doubt. Company representatives were at the NACE conference, showing off one of the company’s big new products, a re-designed Stat Gun.
Static build-up on a surface can result in an inconsistent paint job. Static build-up attracts dust, dirt and other airborne impurities. The result can be irregular or splotchy paint job. Neutralizing static electricity can prevent these flaws.
Typically, the solution at many shops are anti-static wipes – but these add extra time and effort to the preparation process, as well as ongoing material costs. The best solution is the Stat-Gun, according to Claire Cleland, Sales Manager for Static Solutions, manufacturer of the gun Wedge Clamp is offering in North America.
“People don’t understand that static electricity on the surface can affect the quality of the paint job. If there are areas that are charged in different ways this can affect the paint application,” said Cleland while demonstrating the gun on the NACE convention floor. One particular trouble area are regions of the car where plastic is used.
Cleland explains there is more static on plastic. “They know it’s darker, but they don’t know why. There’s a reason,” she says. “Static control gives you a constant, natural paint job.”
Neutralizing static electricity can also make metallic flakes in paint stand up on end. This is key for high-end metallic paint jobs. As well, by laying paint evenly, less paint is used. Jobs are more efficient, meaning there is less clean-up. Total time in booth is reduced. Cleland explained how stat guns were created in the UK and have long been used by luxury car companies like McClaren, Aston Martin and Jaguar. The latest model of the gun is a complete upgrade. “This is a major redesign of this product. This is the iPhone 6 of stat guns,” says Cleland.
Collision shop owners can either buy the gun or rent it. Either way, the gun is designed to handle the tough conditions in a shop. “It’s designed to last,” says Cleland.
For more information, please visit wedgeclamp.com or watch the video in the player below.
