Schoonover Bodyworks Goes Green!

New Eco-Friendly Paint/Equipment Comes to Minnesota, Saving Energy and Water, Reducing Waste; Part of Emerging Industry Trend

ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Schoonover Bodyworks is establishing its claim as an environmental leader in the Twin Cities’ collision repair industry, teaming up with AkzoNobel and its new waterborne paints, while outfitting its shops with newly developed eco-friendly equipment.

“Those shops that can’t or won’t change their ways likely won’t be around after 2011.”

“As an individual and a business owner, doing the right thing for the environment is simply good business,” said Mike Schoonover, president and CEO of Schoonover Bodyworks. “Our consumers like the idea of lessening their environmental impact, but they also want the beautiful, long-lasting finish they’ve come to expect. We’ve been watching the technology evolve and finally found a product and equipment that meets our high standards for both.”

Not only is the new equipment and water-borne paint reducing paint material usage and emissions, it is also saving Schoonover approximately 15 percent on electricity and 4 percent on gas per month.

Popular in Europe for the past few, attention for the new waterborne paint has grown since California lawmakers passed a law last year requiring all collision repair shops to implement the technology by the end of 2009. Other states are considering similar legislation.

Some body shops have balked at the high price of upgrading equipment, but stricter standards by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which take effect in January 2011, will require many of them to take even greater measures to reduce consumption of more toxic basecoat paints. New EPA requirements include additional staff training, special spray booths/prep stations, low-pressure spray guns, new filter systems, etc.

“It’s becoming more than just a competitive advantage; this is now a make-or-break decision for our industry,” Schoonover said. “Those shops that can’t or won’t change their ways likely won’t be around after 2011.”

In addition to utilizing more energy-efficient equipment, materials that are less hazardous, and recycling tons of sheet metal and cardboard each year, Schoonover will soon unveil a new paperless office. A long-time commitment to being a good land steward, Schoonover embraces reducing, reusing and recycling as much as possible.

Schoonover Bodyworks is your Minnesota source for collision repair and fine detailing. We're the Fender Bender Menders, with two locations in Stillwater and Shoreview to serve you. Learn more about Schoonover repair services and detailing, and why we're proud to be Minnesota's Fender Bender Menders since 1938. Visit www.fenderbendermenders.com