CHAKO PANELBEATER’S CONTINUED SUCCESS
April 1, 2024

CHAKO PANELBEATER’S CONTINUED SUCCESS

Starting from humble beginnings way back in 1979 with just two staff members, Chako Panelbeaters have walked the long road to success to become a major autobody repair centre in Benoni, East Rand. In today’s very competitive market, the company’s consistent quality of finished work has seen them with almost full marks on their customer satisfaction results. Results are measured on a weekly basis by the independent KA Smart Auditor and these results are forwarded to all the various motor manufacturers that Chako Panelbeaters have approval for.

Anel Lategan and her team of around 35 members, know that to sustain this success, they need to keep their promises and exceed customer expectation to maintain this level of integrity. It is a vital part of their driving force in the company. Half of their clients on average have become repeat customers and insurance company support has been developed alongside fleet owners, mining companies and transport companies like Unitrans to provide a solid customer base. They also offer a full towing service. 

Working conditions are pristine and the team at Chako Panelbeaters are not afraid to try new and innovative techniques, equipment, or concepts such as the Fender Bender Finance option for uninsured drivers and financing business assets. PPG’s MoonWalk system has automated the colour mixing process, maximised accuracy, limited waste, and increased profitability when it comes to colour. They have also recently introduced the CRT mobile plastic welding machine.

This privately owned and managed family business is super professional. They have employed a policy of updating and re-investing profits to keep pace with vehicle changes over the years. It is no surprise to see many top-rated benches and refinish systems humming along in a workshop.

As they believe in doing things correctly, they are also Collision Repair Association of South Africa (CRA) members and deliver vehicles to clients after repair – if necessary. 

The operations side of the company sees the front-line staff operating a state-of-the-art management system to generate damage reports through to monitoring repair progress right up to the final costings. They are also able to do an e-quotation for insurance companies that need this work done. 

Chako Panelbeaters could easily operate in any so called first world environment and achieve great success. This would be just reward for a lifetime of dedication to the perfect repair – their core value of the business. 

Story and pics by Ian Groat