Body Centre increases wheel alignment offering

Rackhams Auto Body Centre in Ipswich has installed a second wheel alignment bay, the second of which is operating a state-of-the-art Hunter HawkEye WA Imaging system with an in-floor lift from supplier Pro-Align. The other aligner is also from the American alignment firm, a Hunter P411 with conventional sensors. Rackhams’ purpose built Boss Hall Business Park site, which primarily operates as a body repair centre, repairs about 50 to 60 cars a week, about half of which require wheel alignment.

Co-owner Andy Rackham explained: “Perhaps when you think of a bodyshop, you don’t automatically associate it with wheel alignment servicing but we are continually aligning more and more of our customers’ cars and they are increasingly finding this very convenient, especially when the vehicle is already in our shop for some body damage.

“We’re also seeing more customers coming to us who have found us on the centre locator section of AlignMyCar. The website really is a very useful tool as not only does it point motorists to their nearest wheel alignment centre, but more importantly it provides stacks of useful information and advice on the subject.

“When we first looked into wheel alignment it soon became clear that Hunter aligners stood head and shoulders above the competition in terms of speed, reliability and accuracy, which is vitally important to us because we strive to meet strict time criteria.

“There was also the reassurance of knowing that the Hunter is approved by so many vehicle manufacturers since we also have some ten manufacturer approvals. Also the back-up service and support offered by Pro-Align has been very positive in helping us to explore new wheel alignment markets.”

Paul Beaurain, managing director, Pro-Align, said: “Rackhams Auto Body Centre is typical of our customers who are seeing for themselves the benefits that wheel alignment can give to their business and have embraced it whole heartedly.

“Many bodyshops simply use their aligners on specific crash repair jobs but this significantly limits the potential of the equipment and the business. With the right foresight, offering a full wheel alignment service to all motorists is a natural extension to their services and makes perfect business sense. Rackhams have had that foresight and we’re delighted to hear that they are reaping the rewards.”

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