Auto Body Shop Keeps 95% of Diagnostics In-House, Thanks to asTech

two-people-in-body-shop
Diagnostician Jamie Virgue, left, and General Manager Brendan Morgan, right, at Key Collision in Portsmouth, NH, love their asTech equipment for its reliability and frequent updates.

In the old days, shops were content sending their cars to the local dealerships for scans and calibrations. But now they realize doing it themselves comes with many benefits, including maximizing efficiency and retaining control of the entire process.

At Key Collision in Portsmouth, NH, asTech, a Repairify company, is playing an integral role as the shop moves nearly all of its scans and calibrations under its own roof.

Key Collision of Portsmouth
Location: Portsmouth, NH
(603) 431-8991
www.keycollisioncenter.com
Facebook: @KeyCollisionCenters
LinkedIn: @key-collision-centers

Company At A Glance...
Type
: Collision Repair
Facility Employees: 157
In Business Since: 2000
Number of Locations: 11
Combined Production Space: 238,979 square feet

Key Collision currently uses the asTech Duo Remote Diagnostic Device, adasThink and the John Bean Tru-Point calibration system.

When General Manager Brendan Morgan came onboard, the team was in the process of acquiring asTech tools and equipment for all of its 11 locations.

“We were sending way too many cars to the dealership for scans and calibrations,” Morgan said. “So, we contacted asTech and told them we want to do all of our diagnostics at all of our 11 locations with them and that was how it started.”

When asked his three main concerns as a shop manager, Morgan knew the answers right away.

“The supply chain, providing the best customer service we can and finding and hiring good people,” he said.

He did not mention his automotive diagnostics as an issue, because it isn’t---thanks to asTech and the way his company approaches scans and calibrations.

As a teenager, Morgan suspected cars would somehow be in his future as a career.

technician-using-equipment
Virgue has found a great niche, doing all of the calibrations for the shop.

“When I was younger, I was really into cars and automotive racing, stuff like that, and just ended up at Alfred State College [in New York just outside of Buffalo] for auto body,” he said. “As I was working on cars, I discovered I liked the body styling aspect and the different colors. So, I got into customization and decided to head down that road.”

Morgan is a wise man at 43 who has learned how to become a better leader over the years, he said.

“In the end, it’s all about the people---our employees, customers, vendors, associates and partners---everyone. If our crew and the people we interact with are happy, it all works well. I figured that out with my first management gig, and it’s a great recipe. I want our people to be better and improve their lives by working here; that’s really our main goal and something we are always thinking about.”

Abby Andrews

Online & Web Content Editor
Abby Andrews is the editor of Autobody News.

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