CARSTAR North America Consolidates R&D Centers In Hamilton, Ontario

CARSTAR North America Consolidates R&D Centers In Hamilton, Ontario

The company also announced new franchise operations at CARSTAR Metcalf in Kansas City.

As CARSTAR North America continues to grow, so does its R&D program. To further those efforts, CARSTAR has consolidated the U.S. and Canadian R&D centers into one North American R&D Center to pilot programs, repair processes and service offerings for the more than 500 locations across the continent.

The CARSTAR North America facility, located in Kanata, Ontario, near Ottawa, offers state-of-the-art equipment for advanced vehicle repairs. It serves to test prototype equipment and repair processes, often in conjunction with equipment and product manufacturers. The R&D team also pilots CARSTAR standard operating procedures at the facility to ensure consistent, high-quality repair standards throughout the network. In addition, the CARSTAR R&D Center serves as a training facility for CARSTAR franchisees from across North America.

“As we have closer alignment in our U.S. and Canadian operations, policies and procedures, it makes sense to consolidate our R&D process in one location and expand our platform for developing the services, repair standards and solutions we offer our customers and insurance partners,” said Michael Macaluso, president of CARSTAR North America. “We are already seeing strong benefits as we evaluate new products and programs for the remainder of 2017 and beyond.”

As part of that initiative, the former CARSTAR Metcalf R&D facility in Stilwell, Kansas, has become a franchise location, owned and operated by Steve Hahn, who previously served on the CARSTAR corporate field service team. The facility, located at 7235 W. 162nd Street, offers full-service collision repair, paintless dent repair, towing and car rental. CARSTAR Metcalf is an I-CAR Gold facility, which means its technicians have the highest levels of training and certifications.

“We are proud to have Steve Hahn, with his 20 years of expertise in the automotive repair industry and long experience as a member of the CARSTAR Operations team, become a franchisee in the CARSTAR network,” said Macaluso. “He brings a unique blend of industry experience and deep understanding of the CARSTAR model that will drive his success with this location. And the customers of CARSTAR Metcalf can be assured that the facility will continue to offer the highest-quality collision repair services.”

You May Also Like

Auto Care Voices Support for FTC, DOJ Comments on Right to Repair

The agencies asserted that renewing and expanding repair-related exemptions would promote competition in markets for replacement parts, repair and maintenance services.

bill hanvey right to repair

The Auto Care Association is voicing its support for recent comments from the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice advocating for regulations that would allow consumers and businesses to repair their own products.

In their comment to the U.S. Copyright Office, the Federal Trade Commission and the Justice Department’s Antitrust Division asserted that renewing and expanding repair-related exemptions would promote competition in markets for replacement parts, repair and maintenance services, as well as facilitate competition in markets for repairable products.

BendPak Launches Fusion ‘All-in-One’ Portal for Dealers

The new portal streamlines product research, ordering and marketing, and offers up-to-the-minute product availability and pricing.

Vehlo Acquires Shop Management Software, Shop-Ware

Shop-Ware is a cloud-based shop management platform catering to independent automotive aftermarket repair shops.

Vehlo Acquires Shop Management Software, Shop-Ware
Valvoline Celebrates Female Service Center Employees

Valvoline is launching a social media campaign led by its female experts who are sharing automotive preventive maintenance tips to promote accessible vehicle care for all.

TechForce Announces Winners of Techs Rock Awards

Misael Rodriguez and Dustin Thomas are the grand-prize winners.

Techs Rock Awards

Other Posts

ISN Expands Freedom Program for Mobile Tool Dealers

ISN’s Freedom Program is designed to provide experienced, successful mobile tool dealers with support to become an independent mobile dealer and expand their growth.

Freedom Program
Franchise Times Recognizes Take 5 Oil Change

Take 5 was recognized as the winner in the “Road Warriors” category of the Zor Awards.

Sun Auto Continues Growth in Houston

The winner of a Ford Bronco Sport giveaway was named as part of Sun Auto’s plans to invest in the community and show appreciation to its customers.

Sun Auto Continues Growth in Houston
Spark Car Wash Opens Fifth Location in Northeast

The new location “represents a milestone in Spark’s expansion and key progress toward its mission to modernize car washing with cutting-edge clean technology and membership-driven services in the Northeast region.”

Spark Car Wash