INDUSTRY

December 29, 2025

FIX AUTO WOODSTOCK GRAND OPENING

Fix Auto Woodstock marked its official opening with a community barbecue that drew about 100 people. The collision repair facility, owned by Tajinder Sohal, operates out of a 1,000-squaremetre, 12-bay shop. Mayor Jerry Acchione attended the event and praised the business as a new addition to Woodstock’s automotive sector. Sohal has placed day-to-day operations in the hands of general manager Ken Gillingwater, a long-time collision repairer working alongside a team of six full-time technicians, with two more expected to join as operations expand. “It’s the first time I’ve been a general manager,” Gillingwater said. “I learned early on that listening is one of the most important parts of the job.” The shop was converted from a former heavy truck repair facility, a process Gillingwater noted took more than a year. Guests also viewed a sponsored sidecar race car and a custom 1974 Ford Econoline van.

collisionrepairmag.com/15769873

FIRST CARSTAR ACADEMY SCHOLAR ANNOUNCED

On November 19, 2025 CARSTAR Canada presented its first CARSTAR Academy Scholarship to a Centennial College student during an event at CARSTAR Toronto Millwick. The celebration was hosted at the Toronto facility, where owner Ralph Andreacchi announced the recipient.Final-year autobody student Hekmatull Ahahmadi received a $1,500 scholarship along with a CARSTAR Academy starter toolkit valued at $530. Following the presentation, the CARSTAR Toronto Millwick team provided Ahahmadi with a guided tour of the facility, offering a closer look at the brand’s repair processes. The visit also included an opportunity to connect with a recently graduated technician from the same program. The award is the first of eight scholarships CARSTAR plans to present to students across four colleges. The initiative is intended to support students pursuing careers in autobody and collision repair.

collisionrepairmag.com/15773499

REPAIR REINVENTED

I-CAR returned to the 2025 SEMA Show with live demonstrations and training exhibits focused on preparing collision repair professionals for emerging vehicle technologies. The not-for-profit training organization showcased mixed reality simulations, welding demonstrations and new course material aligned with evolving OEM repair standards. Instructors also appeared at the collision repair and refinish stage, discussing modern repair procedures, ADAS considerations and technician training needs. Live welding demonstrations tied to I-CAR course content were included. Highlights of the display included a mixed attachment methods training prop from I-CAR’s Structural Technician Platinum path and a mixed reality experience simulating radar replacement and calibration. In-person courses covering MIG welding, EV safety and ADAS troubleshooting ran throughout the show.