Wren’s Collision Group recently became the owner of the 3,000th PPG MoonWalk automated paint mixing system worldwide, after it was installed at Ray’s Collision of Auburn, a division of Wren’s, in Alabama.
Wren’s acquired Ray’s Collision of Auburn in early June, bringing its footprint to 19 locations in Georgia, Florida and Alabama.
The growing regional MSO’s owner, James Wren, said Ray’s is the fourth shop in Wren’s network to install a PPG MoonWalk system. Wren said the automated system is a “no-brainer” for the MSO’s shops once they surpass a certain level of monthly sales, as it increases efficiency, reduces paint material waste and even acts as a recruitment tool.
A former paint technician, Wren said he used to refinish eight to 10 cars a day. He estimated he spent an hour mixing paint.
“Now the MoonWalk does it for you,” he said. “The painter is getting a part of his day back.”
Before switching to a digital mixing system, Wren said painters would frequently mix a little extra paint to ensure they wouldn’t run out. The machine, on the other hand, mixes exactly how much will be needed to finish the job.
“Paint waste has decreased by over 10%,” Wren said. “[The MoonWalk system] is paying for itself.”
Color-matching is also “perfect,” he said. “It’s taking away any questions of whether the formula was mixed right. It’s on point.”
The digital system is still uncommon in shops in Wren’s Collision Group’s service areas, making it a selling point for employees.
“My painters are wildly loyal to us because we’re giving them a chunk of their day back to be more efficient,” Wren said. “I’ve had some painters say, ‘You can’t fire me now, I’m never going to leave here.’”
Wren said his company has a “really good partnership with PPG,” and appreciates the products, support and training it provides to help collision shop owners optimize their businesses.
“We’re looking at a couple more newer locations that are growing — once we hit that [sales] threshold, we’re going to put [MoonWalk] in as well,” Wren said. “We love the MoonWalk.”
“Wren’s Collision is embracing the future of collision repair with the installation of the PPG MoonWalk system at its newest location,” said Rodolfo Ramirez, PPG vice president, Automotive Refinish, Americas, in a statement. “They’re advancing efficiency, accuracy and consistent quality, and we’re honored to support forward-thinking customers pushing performance to the next level.”
The PPG MoonWalk system was introduced in 2019. It is now installed in leading collision centers in more than 60 countries.
In addition to delivering precision and accuracy, saving time and reducing waste, the system also integrates seamlessly with the PPG LINQ™ digital ecosystem for efficient workflows, real-time data and inventory management.
Abby Andrews