Shop becomes first eco-friendly collision repair facility in Georgia

KENNESAW, Ga. — When CrashMaster Collision Center was purchased by KARR, LLC in March, co-owners Richard Sargo and Keith Meisner unveiled their plans to offer metro-Atlanta an eco-friendly collision repair, and now the facility is the first auto body repair shop in Georgia to go environmentally friendly with waterborne paint. The company is using the BASF/Glasurit 90 Line Waterborne refinishes system, and Sargo and Meisner say the goal is to protect the region’s air, water, and soil by reducing hazardous waste and air pollution.

“We are repairing today with tomorrow in mind,” says Meisner.

Both owners and their staff know what it takes to run a top-notch automotive repair facility, and they say they also know that from start to finish environmental considerations play an integral part in the repair process. They offer paper and cardboard recycle bins that are accessible to the community, use recycled paper products in the office, and with their technology, they have significantly reduced the paper output by going electronic (paperless).

Product choices and partnerships were made to give preference to bio-degradable and less toxic alternatives including recycling. For example, low VOC (volatile organic compound) lead-free/solvent-free paints are used and cars are washed with biodegradable, non-phosphate soap. Used oil, antifreeze, refrigerant, and waste paint are recycled along with sheet metal, cardboard, paper, batteries, and repairable plastics.

Hi-tech equipment and technology was also used to play a part in CrashMaster’s success. The BASF-supplied computerized paint mixing system minimizes paint waste by mixing just the right amount for a job. The no-VOC basecoat uses no solvents, but de-ionized water to reduce the paint. High-volume low-pressure (HVLP) paint spray guns then deliver the paint with a minimum amount of paint waste. The spray booths are downdraft with a filtration system to capture the maximum amount of airborne particulates.

The business’s 12,000 sq.-ft. facility features three frame bays, two downdraft spray booths, an aluminum clean room, compression resistance welding, plastic welding and repair, A/C, a laser measuring system, and automotive diagnostic equipment.