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NEWSLETTER MARCH 2008
FROM THE GM'S DESK
Hi - I hope that Christmas was an enjoyable and relaxing time for all, all of a sudden we are all back to work and wondering where the time went since the busy build up to the Christmas period.
I am happy to report that here at Coachworks we have all returned safely to the New Year and after a busy few weeks before school restarted we have settled into our 2008 schedule.
I'd like to take this opportunity to thank our customers that we have serviced over the past few months and most importantly thank you for your patience during the busy Christmas holiday period that can in some cases lead to extended down time of vehicles.
2008 is looking to be a busy year for our industry and we are committed to supporting you our customers during this time, with continued efforts being put into our labour force.
Since Christmas we have started an additional 4 apprentices for 2008 which maintains our apprentice numbers at 9 including 6 Coach Builders, 2 spray painters and 1 Auto electrician apprentice. Our commitment to apprentices along with good Human resource practices has seen us maintain a strong skilled workforce for at least 15 years which we are very proud of, Coachworks currently employs 75 people.
During March Andre and I represented Coachworks on a trip to China where we attended the Busworld 2008 conference in Shanghai & then will joined the team from King Long Australia for a tour of their manufacturing facility in Xiamen. Check out our website www.coachworks.com.au for our photos and more details of our visit.
I hope to catch up with most of you at the QBIC and BCA Conferences in April.
Regards
Apprentice Photo to come
REFURBISHMENT VS REPLACEMENT
Evan Isaacs gives his view
To Refurbish or not to Refurbish has always been a tough question faced by Bus and Coach operators. The main concern always seems to be that of over capitalising, however it is a question that can be easily justified either way.
Refurbishment remains a popular option for many operators, both as an option to Vehicle replacement or upgrade existing vehicles to standards of newer vehicles in expanding fleets.
With most State Transport Departments having a Frame inspection requirement of some sort in place, operators find this to be an opportune time to consider refurbishment.
Queensland for example, have frame inspection requirements before the vehicle is 21 years or in the preceding five years. This presents an opportunity to refurbish a vehicle mid-life (approximately 5 years) and justify additional refurbishment costs over longer period (approximately 10 years).
Frame inspections today, because of bonded panels and windows, in most cases require a minimum of replacement side panels, wheel arch panels, the removal and refit of front and rear corner panels, screens and window glass as well as the obvious frame repairs. With this amount of work required we can take the opportunity to "flush finish" window glass and panel joins and delete body mouldings giving the vehicle a modern panel styling. Attention to full body frame descale and prime and replacement panel and glass bonding preparation will ensure a lasting exterior refurbishment most of which can be justified by frame inspection certification.
Some interior refurbishment may be associated with frame inspection. Flooring framework and Chassis / Body bearer assys also require inspection along with flooring plywood. This is also a good time to consider replacement floor covering, seating and interior trim options.
Recently we have refurbished several vehicles, whose owners have utilised Queensland Transport's "Life extension for Open Classification Buses" policy, combining Frame inspection, Life Extension, Refurbishing and Minor remodelling to achieve a modern styled vehicle with a total certified service life of thirty years. These Refurbishments, Life Extensions, Frame Inspections and general Body Maintenance programs combine to help achieve a well maintained bus and coach fleet.
CHECK OUT OUR LATEST REFURBISHMENTS
BOYS IN THE KITCHEN
Our Resource Manager, Trevor Cornes recently celebrated his 60th birthday.
We asked Trevor to share his favourite recipe with us.
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SPIRAL PASTA MEAL
Ingredients:
Lean mince steak 300grams
Small sized spiral pasta
Can of Paul Newnham's Pasta sauce.
Tomato sauce.
Salt.
Method : Cook mince in a large saucepan on stove.
Add small amount water.
Cover spiral pasta with water in a microwave dish. 2 cups of water only.
Microwave for 6-7 minutes on high.
Pour contents of sauce into the cooked mince. Stir through the mince.
Add cooked and drained spiral pasta into the mince and stir well.
Then cover and simmer for 5 minutes in saucepan.
Add salt and tomato sauce as required.
Serve with packet salad for quick meal. Oh and a glass of 'red'!
Save balance of mix into freezer bags and freeze for lunch or later meal
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WET WET WET IN MACKAY
The Queensland floods have been making headline news for the past two months. Ever wonder how your fellow operators were fighting the rising waters?
Check out these images from Mackay Transit Coaches.
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