Fix Auto Australia have signed their latest partner in New South Wales as they continue to grow nationally. Fix Auto Canterbury, formerly IOMG Direct Smash Repair in Greenacre is the latest business to join the growing network of independently owned repairers in Australia which is part of the world’s largest network of independently owned repairers.
The location, which has served its customers for almost 60 years was acquired by new owners 3 years ago and has since undergone a significant review of its operations to determine its potential for growth and process improvement. Following this review and an assessment of the options available to independent repairers to best position them for the future, the new owners concluded that being part of a network was vital to sustainability and that the Fix Auto model provided the greatest value to their business in the longer term.
Speaking of his decision to join, Director Simon Jia said: “We have a unique business that serves the local community very well. We have a customer facing team that speaks 4 languages, English, Mandarin, Cantonese and Malaysian. We find that this capability along with our broad service offering of body and mechanical repair as well as detailing positions us as a trustworthy and reliable choice with our customers. The opportunity to further strengthen this position by joining a global brand that our international customers can relate to, from other countries where they have seen it is a huge benefit. In addition to the brand strength, we have already seen how their operational and process expertise can make significant improvements to how we do things and most importantly, how profitable we are in doing them”.
[quote size=”large” title=”- said Stuart Faid, VP for Asia and Head of the Australian Fix Auto business.”] Fix Auto Canterbury is in a very diverse demographic and has positioned itself neatly within that community. Having your vehicle repaired by someone, whether for smash repair or mechanical requires a great deal of trust and having people who can relate in both language and culture is a huge plus. We have a well-established business in China with over 150 shops and growing and it is interesting to see brand recognition from China in the Australian market”. [/quote]
QLD and NSW State General Manager, Scott Holden added: “Simon’s business is a unique partnership for us, we have not had another business with such a focus on its international clientele join our network. To see a business, thrive based on identifying an underserved demographic and giving those customers complete peace of mind is very interesting. The business and its new owners have a vision for growth and excellence which matches our own and I am looking forward to helping them broaden and deepen their customer base and supporting their vision for the future”.