“Professional automotive paint supplies for panel beaters and car paint restoration throughout Otago”

Platinum Paints

Established: 2012

Location:  Dunedin

Regions covered:  Otago and Nationwide

Website: http://www.platinumpaints.co.nz/

Business vision and mission:
To supply the best service to the industry and become Dunedin’s largest supplier.

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Before owner Andrew Herbert took on the Dunedin franchise, he had already gained experience working in the car painter trade from when he left high school. After 10 years working for the family business and completing a four-year apprenticeship during that time, he returned to automotive paints by working for PPG Industries.

He was the area manager in charge of paint distribution for Otago and Southland for 10 years before an opportunity arose for Andrew to take on a franchise in Dunedin 4 years ago. It was a natural progression in his career after he had established strong connections with customers and distributors in the region.

Andrew believes that making the move from area manager to owner has been the best decision of his life: “I take great satisfaction knowing that I have a healthy business and happy staff who go home safely to their families each day and get rewarded for their efforts.”

Platinum Paints offers a vast product range for automotive vehicles and the aerospace sector and is the sole distributor for PPG in the region. The company has since grown to become so successful that they import from Australia and distribute nationwide on occasion.

When the franchise was originally purchased, the premises did not have much of a presence in the Dunedin market and did not allow for easy discovery for new customers.

“I had to work very hard to get the funding required to purchase the business: it was originally a low-key warehouse dealing directly with customers and distributors. Now, we have our own showroom for improved access and visibility to hobbyists and the general public. The result has been an increase in retail sales and greater distribution throughout the region.”

By working alongside their customers, Andrew and his staff have offered support and advice to ensure that they have the right product for the right job.

Andrew attributes the continuing efficiency of the business to his stellar staff and his NZQA Level 2 in Lean Management, which has helped him to put in place the infrastructure to keep his business strong and help predict future issues.

Attendance at conventions and through meetings with other PPG distributors has provided new insight into distribution which has been applied to the business in Dunedin to ensure it evolves with the times.

Employing four full-time staff, Platinum Paints has grown year on year with new accounts and greater turnover. Over the years, there have been many positive reviews in relation to Platinum Paint’s knowledgeable and friendly staff as well as their quality products:

“Prior to July 2013 the PPG Refinish Distributorship for Otago was a division within James Wren & Co Ltd… It was the obvious choice selling the business to Andrew, at the time he was not only the Otago Territory Manager for PPG working closely with James Wren & Co Ltd in that role, but he also had a very good business plan with a clear vision of where he wanted his business to go… James Wren & Co Ltd continues to have a business relationship with Platinum Paints Dunedin Ltd and their service, technical advice and after sale service is exemplary. Anyone considering doing business with Platinum Paints Dunedin Ltd can be rest assured Andrew and his team will do all they can to provide you with stress and hassle free service.” – Richard Daniell, Managing Director.

“Queenstown Collision Centre have been working alongside Andrew Herbert since 2010… We have always found Andrew to be professional and very knowledgeable in all areas of product and paint application. His company’s service and delivery have always exceeded expectations and we have no problems in recommending him to other businesses.” – Wayne Paul, Director.

Platinum Paints supplies premium quality paints to the automotive and aerospace industry throughout Otago and to a larger extent the South Island and parts of the North Island. Staff at the business receive ongoing training and support to enhance their careers and give them skills to use in their future employment.

The team support charities both locally and nationally, including the Otago Rescue Trust and the Cancer Society through donations. The local speedway track in Dunedin is also sponsored by Platinum Paints, receiving free paint for their track wall and surrounding buildings.

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