Paul Martin, Manheim auctioneer, leads a group into the new auction center.
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Manheim Auto Auction in Manheim, Pa., has opened a new reconditioning center, which, according to Manheim, was designed to
help with the transition to waterborne paints, and to prepare for any upcoming technological advances.
"Manheim's new reconditioning center benefits body shops by creating awareness about the type of state-of-the-art technology
that is available to improve vehicle processes," says Bryan Allison, Manheim's assistant general manager. "For example, learning
about the use of water-based paints and their benefit to the environment may influence future application within body shops.
Also, introducing concepts that could become requirements in the future will help shops prepare and plan ahead."
Ann Tweed (left) and Angela Mock, members of the Manheim Auto Auction human resources team.
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The 200,000-sq.-ft. facility will house detail, paint and body, training, and mechanical shops all in one location.
"The convenience we can now offer in terms of one-stop shopping for any reconditioning need is vitally important to many of
our customers," says Keith Williams, Manheim general manager. Manheim says the center was built to create an improved vehicle remarketing experience, including reducing congestion in the
community by consolidating recon operations; investing in technology to improve work quality and efficiencies; and implementing
green initiatives to help protect the environment.
The $38 million center is designed to handle a high volume of vehicles each month, offering several benefits.
The new facility includes:
- Paint and body shop capable of handling 350 vehicles per day
- On-site Dent Wizard and Chip Wizard
- 14 detail lanes capable of handling 700 vehicles per day
- 19 vehicle service bays capable of handling 150 vehicles per day
- Wireless technology to track vehicle progress throughout the recon cycle
- Inspection facility handling more than 500 vehicles per day
The facility also features conservation efforts, including the installation of Manheim's wastewater treatment system. The
system reduces the facility's water demand by 60 percent by producing 42,000 gallons of reusable water each day. In addition,
the paint booths will utilize water-based paint to minimize air pollutants.
Thus far, the center is a success.
"Our customers have told us that a centralized facility allows them to put more vehicles in the process, and using Vehicle
Control Facility (VCF) makes inventory tracking more efficient," says Allison. "And, we recently did a comprehensive paint
job for an institutional customer's import vehicle that exceeded quality expectations. This improved the vehicle's value significantly
on Exotic Highline sale day."
