1- Productivity

Getting rid of the rainbow row of mechanics’ tool boxes was the easy - and obvious - part. Of course, the new service department looks much better and everyone, including the technicians agree on it. What they didn’t expect, however, is the improvement in operational fluidity and major decrease in time loss, which combined lead to an increase in productivity. For example, the 60” tall storage cabinets can store a massive amount of special tool and parts, previously stored away from the technician’s bay. They are now within reach of the technician at all time, avoiding time lost walking around in the service area.

2- Employee Retention

Let’s face it: skilled technicians are getting harder to find, hire...and keep! This is why many car dealerships or independent workshops are trying their best to improve their offering with allocation to buy tools, variable schedules or onboarding bonuses. Today, the smart manager also knows that investing to improve the workplace pays off. This is when the workbenches can be a huge asset. When a new hire learns that he has a clean space dedicated to him, with a computer and generous tool storage, the chances of keeping him in the team are much greater. For those who were previously using their personal tool boxes, these can now be stored home, away from damages. Looking to hire recently graduated technicians? Since they may not own a pricey tool box yet, supplying the tool storage solution will become very attractive to them.

3- Safety

We have heard that OSHA is becoming increasingly present in service departments - for good reasons! Considering the number of cars coming in and out of the average service department, increasing customer expectations and longer working hours, the risk of injuries is growing. Wyoming Valley Motors is aware of the trend and took decisive actions to prevent down times:

• The hose reels are installed on the ceiling and not in the workbenches, eliminating this very common tripping hazard.

• Metalia has incorporated the lift motor control in a dedicated cabinet housing, allowing the technician to be at a safe distance of the car when raising it.

• Dedicated computer cabinets avoid the clutter on the workbench top and keep wiring away from the technician’s workplace.

• Ergonomics: at 34” high, Metalia workbenches are built according to the NIOSH standard for heavy work. This will dramatically lower fatigue and back injuries over time.