“The new equipment delivers superior quality welds and structural adhesion of panels,” Mr Botfield said.

More than $50,000 has been invested into next-generation equipment in the past 12 months.

“We have always had superior equipment levels on hand, with trained and qualified staff looking after the structural quality of repairs and your safety,” Mr Botfield, who is Moree born and bred, said.

He has been involved in the smash repair industry for more than 40 years and has seen many changes.

Panel beaters prepare estimates to repair vehicles after they have been involved in an accident.

They unbolt or cut damaged panels and in some cases, may hammer out dents.

“One of the most significant changes is the increased costs involved in owning and operating the business and the advanced equipment levels required,” Mr Botfield said.

With these new levels of equipment come new levels of training.

“The increased cost of equipment and the substantial training and certification costs have seen many repairers fall behind in equipment and training levels,” Mr Botfield said.

Forget the open sign on the front door; without the correct equipment and trained, qualified staff, the work can be sub-standard and customer safety compromised.

“An example would be to let a painter weld panels on in an incorrect manner [outside the manufacturer’s specifications] with the wrong equipment,” Mr Botfield said.

The Moree Panel Works began to diversify 10 years ago, with the introduction of a retail section.

“We now have more than 100 square metres of retail space,” Mr Botfield said.

“It contains more than $100,000 in replacement parts in stock.”

Also, 12 months ago a new tyre business was started, R2K tyres.

That part of the business services cars and four-wheel-drive vehicles.

With those changes, Moree Panel Works has become an employer of nine permanent staff in Moree and branched out to another shop at Hervey Bay, with five staff.

“Moree Panel Works is the No. 1 in Moree for equipment levels, staff training and qualified tradespeople,” Mr Botfield said.

“We’re always the smart choice, the safe choice and the best choice.”