Albert Kemperle Inc. Touts Training to Support Collision Industry

by Chasidy Rae Sisk

Distributors of automotive paint, body shop supplies and related equipment abound, but how can shops know that their supplier is truly invested in their success? Albert Kemperle LLC demonstrates their commitment to clients and collision repair excellence by offering a slew of training and educational opportunities for the industry. 

“Albert Kemperle’s commitment to training is a key component of our service offering, which is designed to add value beyond just product distribution,” explains Roy Griep, territory sales manager for Albert Kemperle. “This focus on education and skill development is vital for both our company and our clients, particularly in the ever-evolving automotive refinishing industry.”

As part of the Wesco Group, the company operates over 160 locations nationwide and focuses on providing high-quality products to businesses involved in automotive finishing and repair. “We like to say, ‘If they use paint, we have a product for them,’” Griep says; however, in the fast-paced auto body industry, knowledge is possibly the most important acquisition any forward-thinking shop seeks out.

“The automotive paint and refinishing industry is constantly advancing, with new products, techniques and technologies being introduced,” Griep points out. “By offering training programs, Kemperle ensures that its clients are well-informed about the latest advancements, helping them stay competitive in a fast-paced market.”

Albert Kemperle strives to keep their business partners updated on industry trends and technology by offering hands-on, practical training in their local training centers in New Jersey and across the country where “frame machines, welders and measuring systems are set up and ready to use to train technicians on the latest repair procedures. These services help us maintain a strong presence as we help our business partners get not only the supplies but also the training and support that collision centers need to operate their businesses as efficiently as possible. This value-added service helps businesses optimize their operations and improve performance.”

Over the last year, Albert Kemperle has hosted eight training sessions at their New Jersey Training Center in Cranbury, covering everything from “Titan Technology” and “SEM Training” to education on plastic welding, advanced estimating and painter certification. These recent training events have received a lot of positive feedback from participants, according to Griep, who believes the response “highlights the practical value of learning directly from experienced technicians and improving shop efficiency. These training efforts align with Kemperle’s commitment to customer support and ensuring that shops can integrate modern methods and products effectively and safely. 

“Albert Kemperle places significant emphasis on training programs to support their customers in the auto body and refinishing industry,” he adds. “We offer a wide range of training options, including hands-on sessions at our specialized training centers, which are designed to increase efficiency, productivity and safety in the workplace. These courses are often tailored to meet the unique needs of each customer, whether it’s to improve skills in paint application, bodywork or equipment.

“Training helps customers improve their operational efficiency and lowers material costs by showing them how to use products more effectively and efficiently. For instance, by learning the proper techniques for paint application, mixing ratios and drying times, body shop workers can reduce waste, avoid errors and complete jobs more quickly, ultimately saving time and money. Well-trained staff can reduce errors, complete jobs faster and maximize the lifespan of the products they use, all of which contribute to healthier margins and better business performance.”

Taking the idea of customization even further, Albert Kemperle also offers on-site training programs, sending their mobile training vehicles directly to clients’ locations. “These vehicles are equipped with the latest industry tools and products, allowing trainers to demonstrate advanced techniques and best practices for both solvent-based and waterborne paint systems. This customized approach adds significant value and positions Kemperle as more of a business partner than just a supplier.”

Offering customers a variety of high-quality options while maintaining the strict environmental and safety regulations to which the industry is subjected to is another area in which Albert Kemperle excels. “We often offer training on regulatory compliance, such as OSHA safety standards, VOC (volatile organic compounds) regulations and proper disposal of hazardous materials, which helps clients avoid costly penalties and ensures they operate within legal standards.”

All of these efforts help to foster long-term relationships between Albert Kemperle and their business partners in addition to helping shops enhance their skills to develop a competitive advantage. “By investing in their success and growth, Kemperle builds trust and loyalty,” Griep believes. “Customers recognize us as a strategic partner committed to their professional development because, for automotive professionals, mastering the latest techniques and products gives them a competitive edge in the market. Shops that offer high-quality, precise work, such as flawless paint finishes or advanced body repairs, can differentiate themselves from competitors. Kemperle’s training programs help technicians refine their skills, improving the overall quality of work delivered.”

Albert Kemperle possesses a competitive advantage of its own in several ways that make it a preferred partner for many body shops. In addition to offering an extensive inventory of paints, tools and supplies from leading brands to ensure customers have access to the best materials for their various needs, the company’s ability to provide a local presence with national reach allows for faster deliveries, including same-day or next-day delivery services which minimize downtime by ensuring quick access to the products that are essential for shops to operate in this fast-paced environment. Their online ordering and inventory management system provides the convenience and flexibility that suits each account best.

Founded in 1940, Albert Kemperle also boasts long-standing industry experience. “We have built a reputation for reliability, expertise and trust, and that longevity gives us deep insights into market needs and trends, which we leverage to serve customers to the best of our ability,” Griep stresses. “By combining deep product knowledge, a vast inventory, strong customer relationships and reliable service, Albert Kemperle provides superior value to automotive industry professionals.”

And the company is immensely grateful for the “customers who have supported our business throughout the years. We hope to continue earning their loyalty every day by continuing to provide service, training and support for their businesses,” Griep professes.

New Jersey shops can take advantage of an upcoming opportunity to find out exactly what Albert Kemperle has to offer. On October 15, the company will be hosting 3M for an “Industry Day” at the Kemperle Training Center in Cranbury. “The workshop will entail Automotive OEMs and the role adhesives, coatings and sealers play in the aftermarket,” Griep advises. “The overall theme for each segment is its relation to OEM recommendations, following procedures and repairing the vehicle in a manner that justifies getting paid ‘what is reasonable and customary.’” 

The event will feature 3M’s Body Repair Trainer Shawn Collins and Digital Collision Customer Specialist Brian Bischoff as guest speakers who will be providing attendees with insight into the future of collision repair. Griep invites all AASP/NJ members to attend.

“Albert Kemperle’s dedication to training reflects our holistic approach to customer service,” Griep emphasizes. “By empowering our partners with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed, we not only help them improve their day-to-day operations but also strengthen long-term business relationships. This commitment to training is an important value-added service that sets Kemperle apart from other vendors, positioning our company as a trusted partner in the automotive refinishing industry.”

For more information about Albert Kemperle and everything it has to offer, visit kemperle.com.

Want more? Check out the October 2024 issue of New Jersey Automotive!