Whanganui panel-beaters go for gold

Owners of Larsen Collision Repairs, Aaron and Melissa Hogg, go for gold. PHOTO/ STUART MUNRO

A Whanganui panel-beating company is chasing precious metal.

Larsen Collision Repairs has been working towards gaining its gold certificate in training - an accolade currently obtained by only one panel-beating shop in New Zealand.

The national training programme is run by I-CAR, which offers three recognition levels for staff - bronze, silver and platinum.

And if a company has an administrator, a repairer and a refinisher who all gain a platinum certificate, then it makes the gold standard.

Aaron Hogg, co-owner of Larsen Collision Repairs, gained his platinum certificate in 2015 as a repairer, making him one of just 30 people in New Zealand to reach the highest level of training.

His wife and co-owner Melissa Hogg said the company also had a refinisher and an administrator who were working towards their platinum award and, if successful, that would give Larsen a gold certificate.

"The training programme is expensive and it does take time," Mrs Hogg said.

"Having the long-term staff get up to the required levels is a challenge but we are now really close.

"It would be a fantastic achievement to reach the gold level."

Since 2008 staff numbers at Larsen have increased from five to a team of 12, including one apprentice.

"The panel beating industry has undergone a lot of change," Mrs Hogg said.

"In 2008 we became an ultra-modern panel and paint shop. Offering the complete service was preferred by insurances companies and it also enables us to have complete control."

In September, the company will celebrate 40 years, while the Hoggs have owned Larsen for nine years. However, Mr Hogg's connection with the business dates back 30 years to when he served his panel-beating apprenticeship there.