A Class Metal Finishers is winding down…
Having sold their commercial electroplating division earlier this year, A Class Metal Finishers are now facing another big change. After 35 years, and now as Australia’s leading metal parts restoration specialists, the company has made the very difficult decision to wind-down it’s metal restoration operations.
The business has faced and overcome many industry-wide challenges over the years, yet managed to develop a reputation in, vehicle restoration circles, for quality second-to-none. 50-year industry veteran and a true master of his craft, Greg Wood, has led the development and growth of the company’s Restoration division since the company’s inception, however the time is coming for him to move on.
Sadly, despite having extremely strong market demand, having developed unique processes and IP to solve restoration problems, and having trained many workers in the specialised skills involved in restoration – the ability to “pass the restoration baton” to a new generation has eluded the business. This is largely due to such factors as: an aging industry workforce; the lure of workers to higher paying jobs; lack of industry training support; the challenges that come with offering a very diverse range of services in a very narrow market niche; as well as the complexity and variability of restoration processes and jobs themselves. Add to that – old, chrome plated car or motorcycle parts are getting older, and older parts are often more corroded or damaged – which increases cost and complexity, increases the skills challenge, and overall, makes it tougher than ever to sustain the current business model.
Noting that it is such a peculiar and challenging business to operate, the company is open to receiving expressions of interest in taking forward any of the business’s restoration activities. Persons with “passion for a challenge” as well as strong understanding and hands-on experience in metal restoration are more likely to succeed. (EOI’s can be sent to acmf@aclassmetal.com.au). Greg is also happy to support any aspiring metal restoration operators in an advisory or training capacity.
Says fellow director/owner Amanda Wood – “We’re finishing (pardon the pun) this journey as the leader in chrome parts restoration and finishing in Australia. That’s gotta be something for Greg and the team to be very proud of. As one door closes for us, another opens to other industry players who might step up and take advantage of the demand for high quality finishing. We hope they do..”
Whilst Greg himself may continue to dabble in the odd restoration project here or there, the company will close its doors to the general public in coming weeks or months. A Class Metal Finishers sincerely thanks all customers for entrusting their special vehicle parts or other restoration projects to us over the many years we have served.