Wheel alignment success is no accident
11/3/2011 7:43 AM EST
Rackhams Auto Body Centre in Ipswich already knows the benefits that wheel alignment can offer to its business, so it comes as no surprise that it has recently installed a second alignment bay.
It now operates two wheel aligners, the latest being a state-of-the-art Hunter HawkEye WA Imaging system with an in-floor lift from Pro-Align, the UK’s leading supplier of wheel alignment equipment, to work alongside its Hunter P411 with conventional sensors.
Both aligners are busy at work at Rackhams’ purpose built Boss Hall Business Park site, which primarily operates as a body repair centre, repairing about 50 to 60 cars a week, about half of which require wheel alignment.
While a percentage of work comes via insurance companies, Rackhams is increasingly seeing more referrals from the website
www.alignmycar.co.uk , an online ‘education-station’, sponsored by Pro-Align, aimed at providing motorists with all they need to know about four wheel alignment.
Co-owner Andy Rackham explained: “Perhaps when you think of a bodyshop, you don’t automatically associate it with wheel alignment servicing but we are continually aligning more and more of our customers’ cars and they are increasingly finding this very convenient, especially when the vehicle is already in our shop for some body damage.
“We’re also seeing more customers coming to us who have found us on the centre locator section of AlignMyCar. The website really is a very useful tool as not only does it point motorists to their nearest wheel alignment centre, but more importantly it provides stacks of useful information and advice on the subject.”
With over 37 years’ experience in the industry, Rackhams has established itself by using the latest equipment and fully qualified staff.
“When we first looked into wheel alignment it soon became clear that Hunter aligners stood head and shoulders above the competition in terms of speed, reliability and accuracy, which is vitally important to us because we strive to meet strict time criteria.
“There was also the reassurance of knowing that the Hunter is approved by so many vehicle manufacturers since we also have some ten manufacturer approvals. Also the back-up service and support offered by Pro-Align has been very positive in helping us to explore new wheel alignment markets,” added Andy.
While offering an extra service to customers is good news, it’s also the healthy profit margins that four-wheel alignment provides that make it so valuable. Indeed, Andy believes it’s one of the most profitable parts of the business, which was established by his father and which Andy now runs in partnership with his brother Gavin.
Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align, said: “Rackhams Auto Body Centre is typical of our customers who are seeing for themselves the benefits that wheel alignment can give to their business and have embraced it whole heartedly”.
“Many bodyshops simply use their aligners on specific crash repair jobs but this significantly limits the potential of the equipment and the business. With the right foresight, offering a full wheel alignment service to all motorists is a natural extension to their services and makes perfect business sense. Rackhams have had that foresight and we’re delighted to hear that they are reaping the rewards.”
For more information about the business transforming potential of wheel alignment of the Hunter range of equipment, visit
www.pro-align.co.ukNotes
Pro-Align is one of the UK’s leading independent suppliers of wheel alignment and wheel service equipment. Its advanced systems are used by many vehicle manufacturers, franchised dealer groups, independent workshops, motorsport specialists and vehicle technology consultancies. Pro-Align is the sole UK distributor for the Hunter range of wheel aligners, balancers and tyre changers.
Useful Links
Pro-Align –
www.pro-align.co.ukAlignMyCar –
www.AlignMyCar.co.ukHunter Engineering –
www.hunter.com Rackhams Auto Body Centre –
www.rackhams-bodyshop.co.uk PR Contact
Danny Rughoobeer
Red Marlin
T 01926 333245
M 07739 878365