Automotive refinishing has ceased to be merely a technical process and has become a strategic pillar of profitability in modern workshops. In the fourth episode of Koria Cast, Industry experts gathered to discuss how technology and management are transforming the market., revealing why operational efficiency is the new competitive differentiator. The guests on this episode were... Ozinei Manzano (AkzoNobel) and Rodrigo Peteffi Camargo (Nordeste Tintas), with mediation by the technician and commercial manager of Koria, Emil Szabo, and Fabricio Abrão.
What does an automotive repainting shop actually sell?
Many managers still believe that the final product of a workshop is the painted parts. However, in this episode we see... a disruptive perspective: Workshops sell hours..
Productivity is about speed, but it's also about the ability to optimize workflow so that every minute of the "productive" time (the painting professional) generates real value. “The workshop, she sells hours. What product does she sell? She doesn't sell parts, she sells hours. So, the more I do in less time, the more money I earn,” Emil pointed out.
To achieve this efficiency, it is necessary to look at the entire process from start to finish, from surface preparation to final drying.
The low price trap
One of the most debated points was the difference between the price of the paint and the applied cost. Rodrigo Peteffi, from Nordeste Tintas, explained that focusing solely on the price per can is a common mistake that can mask losses.
Why invest in high-tech products?
- Fewer coats: It reduces application time and material consumption.
- Low overspray: Less ink wastage in the environment.
- Color fidelity: It avoids rework, which is the biggest drain on profits in a workshop.
Rodrigo points out that nYou can't just look at the cost of the can of paint; you need to consider the applied cost as well. It also highlights that high-tech products have a number of benefits.
The acoat selected program
The partnership between manufacturers such as AkzoNobel and distributors like Koria It goes beyond simply supplying inputs. Consulting programs like the Acoat Selected They help workshops understand their key indicators:
- Revenue based on productivity;
- Cost per square meter;
- Cash flow and inventory management.
Ozinei Manzano emphasized that the success of the ecosystem depends on strong partnerships. “A large manufacturer needs a large distributor, just as a large distributor also needs to have a good factory; it's the combination of the two that makes things happen. It's unlikely that a brand alone, without a good distributor, will be successful in the region,” he explains.
Evolution, not revolution.
The automotive refinishing market is constantly evolving. To remain relevant, workshop owners need to see themselves as business owners, not just technicians. The integration of cutting-edge equipment, high-tech supplies, and data-driven management is the path to sustainable profit.
To… watch the full episode on YouTube and Spotify
