For nearly 30 years, K&R Truck Sales owner Ed Reitman has known only one way to service and repair trucks — the right way. And that’s why he relies on the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division to provide his customers with the best quality work. K&R Truck Sales is a full-service truck dealership with locations in Holland, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Muskegon, MI. Their Holland and Grand Rapids locations also feature full-service collision repair centers. All told, Reitman has 220 employees, including 28 who are dedicated to collision repair. With a total of 29,000 square feet, his two shops can handle anything from frame straightening, collision and mechanical repair, to cab replacement, wheelbase alterations and complete refinishing. K&R Truck Sales also offers full-service leasing, rentals and dedicated maintenance programs through Idealease. Also, emergency breakdown, towing and wrecker services are available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The business has grown substantially. In 2012, Reitman acquired West Michigan International and its three facilities in Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo and Muskegon. Just last year, K&R Truck Sales bought land in Kalamazoo to build a new facility while, earlier this year, the company acquired Pro-Fleet Refinishing in Matawan, MI, to add another body shop in the Kalamazoo market. All that growth meant finding a quality partner to work with was critical. Last year, K&R Truck Sales converted to all 3M products in their shops. With the help of the 3M team, Reitman was able to improve the efficiency and workflow of the collision repair side of his business.
“From an owner point of view, 3M demonstrated that looking for the lowest cost is not always the best way to do things,” said Reitman. “They assisted us in measuring our material cost and understanding how to use more efficient products and use less of them. We feel that is what makes a true partner in our business. 3M not only provides materials but they deliver technical support, training and a forward-thinking view that keeps us at the forefront in training and knowledge.” “When we visit a shop that is not yet using our products, it’s a great feeling knowing that 3M has solutions that can have a direct impact on improving their production,” said John Spoto, 3M National Heavy Duty Truck/Commercial Fleet Manager. “When we can help an owner like Ed Reitman boost his productivity, it will also have a positive impact on his bottom line.” One key component in the process is the Total Automotive Sanding System, which reduces the amount of dust in the air from sanding, leading to less rework, thus driving improved cycle time and process efficiency. It also reduces cleanup time, enhances workplace efficiency by reducing time spent searching for tools and materials, reduces material spending on abrasives and increases technician mobility. “Our goal is to provide the best and the quickest repair and turnaround for our customers so we continue to work on improving our process and flow through the shop,” said Reitman. “One of the tools that helps us accomplish that goal is the Total Automotive Sanding System. The cleanliness of the department is remarkable. Cleaner jobs and a cleaner atmosphere equate to less prep time, quicker re-assembly and cleaner, happier technicians.”
To that end, the Total Automotive Sanding System incorporates the benefits of 3M high-performance abrasives. Those benefits flow from Cubitron™ II abrasives that cut 30 percent faster and last up to twice as long as other premium abrasives; Trizact™ abrasives that leave a finer, more uniform finish; and Perfect-it™ Paint Finishing System, designed to provide a fast, swirl-free finish every time. With commitment and attention to detail, K&R Truck Sales and the 3M Automotive Aftermarket Division are working together to improve efficiency, customer satisfaction and quick turnarounds. It is a winning combination for sure.
For more information, visit 3MCollision.com/Truck.