Smart decision for James Alpe

Lancashire-based James Alpe has reported a 15-20% increase in fast-track services in less than a year.

The business, which has been in operation for a quarter of a century, specialises in unusual and diverse vehicle conversions, like police force vans and ambulances, motor home repairs and rentals and vehicle graphics.

But another area where it has seen growth is Smart repairs. It attributes this growth in large part to Syrox, a refinish brand from Axalta Coating Systems, which it introduced last year.

Lee Shaw, James Alpe managing director, said, ‘Our fast track repairs are all about a quick turnaround. They are aimed at walk-in customers who might have a small scratch and don’t want to get their insurance companies involved. But it is a very competitive, price-sensitive market.’

For that reason, when paints distributor Cunbar Paints suggested Syrox, the business was interested to find out more and over the three days that Cunbar Paints spent at James Alpe demonstrating Syrox, eight cars were painted. Lee was so impressed he committed immediately.

The technicians from Cunbar Paints then spent a further week at the bodyshop for on-site training, and within a fortnight Syrox was up and running. In the 12 months since James Alpe switched to Syrox, the company has expanded its fast track area to accommodate the increased business it has attracted.