The Diehl Collision Center in Pittsburgh is a model of efficiency.
Designed by a consultant from Axalta Coating Systems with input from the collision center's director, the 26,000-square-foot space includes 20 repair bays, four paint booths and an array of profitability-enhancing equipment.
"Too much time can be lost without proper design to maximize workflow," said Corina Diehl, owner of Diehl Automotive Group. "When vehicles move through a shop with minimal restrictions, customers get their cars back sooner and the department is more profitable.
"Most collision centers aren't laid out like this one because as they grow over the years, additions make it difficult to maintain the original 'greenfield' workflow," she explained. "In this center, once a [repair plan] is completed and parts are procured, vehicles don't leave the building after repairs begin."