California-based Spray-Tech and Ohio-based DCR Systems have formed a strategic research and development alliance to engineer a automotive refinish system with operational standards they expect to be cutting-edge and  unique to the industry.

        The joint R&D between the two companies has resulted in a process featuring high speed, quality and consistency in output, including advanced undercoating applications, advanced curing capability and processing methodology, standardized tooling and products, and standardized operating procedures, practices and training.

        “There are no complete refinish systems on the market today,” commented DCR Systems president and CEO Michael Giarrizzo Jr., on why DCR chose to develop its own approach. “DCR’s affiliation with Spray-Tech has put us on the ground floor of the research and development phase to engineer precisely what our exclusive collision repair operation requires. The end result is the development of one of the most advanced refinishing systems yet created.”

        Tyler Rand, president and CEO of Spray-Tech, said, “The paint processing plant booth has been specifically designed to meet the needs of DCR’s cutting-edge operation, and the paint facility has been custom designed and sized to meet the specialized needs of the continuous-flow refinish process.

        “Single-touch paint processing is at the heart of this design,” Rand continued. “The process eliminates wasteful jamming and other non-value activities. An optimal air flow package within the cabin allows a 100 percent evacuation of overspray, and the unique baking process allows all panels of the vehicle to reach their optimal temperature simultaneously. This process provides consistently accurate first-time, every-time paint finishes.”

        According to Giarrizzo, DCR Systems chose to align with Spray-Tech to capitalize on the company’s creativity and versatility. “We approached Spray-Tech because they have the ability to think outside the box to engineer precisely what we want. These paint systems are world class and cutting edge and I can’t express the extent to which this system enhances DCR’s capabilities. It’s truly revolutionary.”

        “DCR is a world-class organization,” added Rand. “Michael and his entire team’s attention to detail, to customer service and to stakeholders is a breath of fresh air. The Giarrizzo family values align very much with my own, which is why Spray-Tech is so proud to be a member of the DCR team.”

        While the refinish system that resulted from this strategic alliance is essentially developed, it will continually evolve, much like the DCR Systems process itself. “As the market changes, so will our objectives and goals,” noted Rand. “What will not waver is our joint goal of perfection.”

        “Because of this relationship, we have been able to design uniquely engineered equipment, advanced shop floor processes and innovative products that meet our stringent demands of lower cycle times and improved quality to greatly improve our customers’ experience,” concluded Giarrizzo.

        The DCR strategic refinish team involves key stakeholders from three main companies: DCR Systems, Spray-Tech and Akzo Nobel, allowing each of the alliance stakeholders to use their core strengths while drawing on a shared pool of intellectual and physical assets.