In this episode, Sam Street talks with Hiliary Bradbury from Australian Collision Industry Alliance (ACIA), Dan Maher from L&M Smash Repairs and Ann McClure from McClure Refinishing about ACIA's successes and challenges.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of ACIA. Why it was founded, the work it has undertaken and the challenges involved with funnelling interested students into apprenticeships. We also explore the costs involved with attending career expo events, the need for more repairers to join, the increased interest from young car enthusiasts, and how repairers can get involved with ACIA to help attract talent and the many benefits that come with volunteering.

We wrap up by reviewing how young staff can breathe a new life and perspective into the shop, as well as supporting mature staff.

Links & Resources:

Australian Collusion Industry Alliance (ACIA)

www.theacia.com.au

McClure Refinishing

www.mcclurerefinishing.com

L&M Smash Repairs

lmsmash.com.au

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Ray McMartin from Sydney Automotive Paint & Equipment (SAPE) about the changes in the industry that he has both seen and driven. Ray bought SAPE back in 1976 and over the years has sourced and bought game changing equipment for the repair community.

We begin our discussion by getting an overview of SAPE's history and Ray's career, how the company invested in the data and automation revolution, and the time he spent marketing Finnish Autoliner products in America and the contribution Terry Flannigan has made to the industry. The discussion also reviews how shop owners have changed over time, highlighting some outstanding shops, and the high levels of migrant representation in the early days of the industry.

Links & Resources:

SAPE Group

www.sape.com.au

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025

In this episode, Sam Street talks with Susann Kluge, Vice President Business Management Automotive Refinish Coatings Solution Asia Pacific at BASF, about their Glasurit line how the company supports its customers to become more efficient, profitable and importantly to develop sustainable practices.

We kick off our discussion by celebrating the 100 years of the scarlet Macaw as the Glasurit logo and get an overview of their sustainability journey and how Australia compares to the international market. The discussion also explores the continued rise of digitisation, how the industry can attract more young people to the workforce, and the rise of collaboration between shops and data based decision making. We assess how the APAC region will change with this drive for sustainability, digitisation, recruitment, and customisation.

We wrap up by getting an insight into why the parrot was chosen as the mascot for Glasurit, and review the features that the Body Shop Boost software package offers and the experiences of shops who have implemented it.

Links & Resources:

Glasurit

www.glasurit.com/au

Body Shop Boost

www.glasurit.com/en-int/boost-success-body-shops

Glasurit launches a new, sustainable clear coat at Automechanika 2024

www.paintandpanel.com.au/news/news/glasurit-launches-a-new-sustainable-clear-coat-at-automechanika-2024

Glasurit Unveils Limited Edition Devilbiss Spray Gun

www.paintandpanel.com.au/products/glasurit-unveils-limited-edition-devilbiss-spray-gun

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The Edge Podcast is produced by Southern Skies Media on behalf of Paint and Panel, owned and published by Yaffa Media.

Hosts: Sam Street & Grant McHerron

Editor: Chris Visscher

Producer: Steve Visscher

Paint and Panel - © 2025