BUSINESS NEWS

February 9, 2023

A POWERFUL PAIRING

3M has extended its status with the International Bodyshop Industry Symposium (IBIS) partnership, the companies announced in December. The agreement to remain a Global IBIS Partner will be in place for three years, said 3M. The companies have maintained a relationship since the inaugural IBIS Global Summit in 2001. “We’re thrilled to be continuing this journey with IBIS,” said president of 3M’s automotive aftermarket division, Dave Gunderson. “Through each year of our longstanding partnership, 3M has had the opportunity to connect with some of the best and brightest in collision repair, all around the globe. We view this partnership as integral in our ability to learn, grow and further advance in the industry” IBIS CEO, Jason Moseley, echoed a similar enthusiasm, saying “We are thrilled to have 3M as our global partner again. This agreement shows the commitment to supporting a strong and sustainable sector. Over the last few years 3M have used the IBIS platform to inform and educate hundreds of industry leaders.

“We will start the extended agreement at IBIS Middle East – Dubai In February moving on to the Exclusive IBIS USA Nashville [event] in April, followed by the flagship Global Summit – Milan in June,” added Moseley. The theme for IBIS’s 2023 lineup of events is “Sustainable Strategies for Success.”

A NEW NAME

Following a year of steady acquisitions in the auto glass sector, most recently including the purchase of Discount Auto Glass, Driven Brands has announced that it will be unifying its numerous glass repair brands under the new banner of Auto Glass Now,”in the states. Driven Brands has added about 175 glass repair facilities, as well as more than 700 mobile repair units, to its portfolio since last year through a series of strategic acquisitions in the American glass repair market. The company says this new Auto Glass Now branding will be reflected online and in future advertising materials, as well as at its remodelled facilities and on mobile service vans.

“[This branding] gives us an incredible platform to continue our national expansion through tuck-in merger-and-acquisition activity and greenfield openings, which has helped us become the second largest player in the U.S. glass servicing category in just a few short months after entering this space,” added Macaluso.

SHACKING UP

Treschak Enterprises in Welland, Ont. has been acquired by Color Compass Corporation, expanding the Canadian footprint of the autobody supply distributor. According to Color Compass, this is part of the company’s historic practice of strategic market growth and acquisitions, with the addition of Treschak Enterprises being part of their continued expansion within the Ontario marketplace. Treschak Enterprises has serviced the Ontario collision market for 35 years and boasts a solid reputation with its customers according to Color Compass. The acquisition of, Treschak Enterprises “aligns with Color Compass’s values, and mission of providing sustainable and profitable business solutions of fostering continuous improvements by creating a culture of caring for our people, our suppliers, and our customers,” said Gord Milford, president of Color Compass.