| History |
|
Scientific Motor Body Works was started by Michael and Gail Zammit in 1969, initially trading as Chippendale Smash Repairs, out of a small factory in Meagher Street, Chippendale. Michael undertook the day to day running of their new business, with the help of just one additional employee, and Michael and Gail did the accounts at night and weekends, as Gail also worked in another industry during the week. During this time Michael worked six, twelve hour days every week. The factory was only able to hold six or seven cars and so it became too small as Michael & Gail’s goals were now set much higher. Michael, the opportunist with a vision, took on another very big move. Realising the factory was now becoming way too small for his growing clientele; he started a never ending search for bigger, more prosperous properties. In 1973 he acquired a property in Blackfriars Street, Chippendale. This 1,200 square metre factory was enormous in both structure and price, for a company who, at the time, only had two full time employees. As the Scientific focus was becoming more customer based, Michael put on 13 additional staff members. This was the real turning point for this family owned and operated business. As Michael’s reputation in the industry grew, so did Chippendale Smash Repairs, gaining a huge amount of fleet company work, including Australia Post and the NSW Ambulance Service. Wattle Street, Broadway To cater for his ever expanding client base, Michael realised that he had outgrown Blackfriars Street workshop. He purchased an existing body shop on Wattle Street in Broadway, which was a necessary acquisition in order to bring the business forward into the next era, and the location was perfect. Situated in Wattle Street, scaling in size of some 2800 square meters, it was to become much more than your average repair shop. This was the real start to Michael & Gail becoming leaders in the market place. With Michael's old and new customers following his movements, he was able to let the business grow, along with Scientific’s reputation for quality repairs and strong customer service. Scientific has always been well regarded by all major insurance companies and as a result of their reputation have been awarded Panel Shop of the Year on four occasions, as well as numerous awards within the industry. Scientific continued to gain further recognition in the industry, thus necessitating even further increases to manpower, machinery and workshop size. Through careful marketing and reputation, the business kept expanding. Recognising a gap in the market for a specialised prestige panel repairer, Michael sought and attained recommended repairer status with various leading European Manufacturers, including BMW, Jaguar & Volvo. These manufacturers realised that they required a smash repairer who would be a positive reflection on their own business name, and provide their own customers with a panel repair service of the highest quality. Scientific technicians were enrolled in manufacturer training programs to advance their skills. This was, and still is a prerequisite for the reproduction of pre-accident-condition vehicle repair, especially when dealing with prestige vehicles. In 1989 an additional property was purchased behind Wattle Street, thus taking the total working space to 8,000 square meters, making Scientific Broadway the largest body shop in Australia, which it remains today. A Family Business On the completion of his panel beating apprenticeship, Daniel Zammit, Michael’s son, progressed through all of the facets of the business, to eventually become the General Manager in 2000. Renee Zammit, Michael and Gail's middle daughter, served her apprenticeship in the office, to eventually head up the Administration and Human Resource Departments. The New Era In 2001, in response to industry and market changes, Daniel initiated a major review of all facets of the business including all operational and administrative policies and systems. Daniel developed and implemented his own bonus system for his technical and management staff. This resulted in major increases in productivity, whilst maintaining the highest levels of quality. This was achieved through the consolidation of a highly skilled workforce, based on a team structure and profit sharing among his staff. Perry St Matraville With the ever increasing customer base and further manufacturer, dealership and insurance recommendations, Michael and Daniel looked for their next move, a 2nd body shop in Sydney. Between 2000 and 2005, investigation of the new motorway paths, especially the Eastern Distributor, the Cross City Tunnel and M5 East, surrounding the northwest, east, and southwest of Sydney were carefully scrutinised, with Matraville being the strategic choice for the location for our 2nd Sydney body shop. Construction on the new Matraville facility commenced in mid 2005. Michael had an active role in the development of the new shop, which has been purpose built off the plan. He imparted his 40 years of experience into the layout of the new facility, ensuring a smooth flow of work through the shop, with efficiency and productivity being the focus. The equipment purchasing process has always been one of Scientifics' highest priorities. Michael and Daniel travelled extensively throughout Europe and the US, researching new repair equipment and techniques. This has lead to Scientific Matraville becoming one of the most advanced body shops in the world. The Matraville facility allowed Scientific to increase its business throughout Sydney’s eastern and southern suburbs, right through to coastal boundaries. Scientific Rose Bay Scientific Rose Bay can offer customers who live in the Eastern Suburbs a quality, manufacturer approved, repairer. Over the last 40 years, Michael and Gail’s dreams have far surpassed their expectations and become a reality, and with an ever-changing world, Scientific continues to be a market leader and constantly strives to be an industry innovator. |
