Built to be portable, powerful and flexible, the FLASH Portable Pulling Column was introduced by Spanesi Americas for the collision repair industry. The company showcased the patent-pending product during the SEMA Show in Las Vegas, NV.
Timothy W. Morgan, COO of Spanesi Americas, Inc., said the FLASH is a vacuum-powered tower that uses the shop’s compressed air system (minimum of 102psi required) to create a vacuum seal to the flooring surface, delivering 550 pounds of pulling force using a heavy-duty ratcheting system. The FLASH features an adjustable pulling height setup providing precise pulling for straight or down-pulling applications.
“This is a game-changer for collision repair facilities,” said Morgan. “Technicians no longer need to move the vehicle to a bench, frame rack or floor pot to perform light pulling duties on vehicles.”
With the FLASH, he said technicians have the flexibility to repair vehicles in tight spaces with the exact angles needed to remove vehicle damage. Using built-in rear wheels allows the FLASH to be relocated within the repair facility so there is no need for anchoring to floor pots or moving the vehicle to a frame rack to perform a dent pull.
“With shop footprints becoming smaller, you need to maximize space,” said Morgan. “The FLASH is easy to use and works anywhere, so it is time efficient and can help shops save costs.”
During SEMA, Spanesi Americas raffled off four FLASH portable pulling columns. The winners were Gene Lopez, Siedner’s Collision Center, CA; Manuel Lim, Fixit Auto Body, CA; Nicole Craig, Coachworks, AZ; and Daniel Trevisanutto, Half-Way Motors, Thunder Bay, ON, Canada.
Spanesi Americas also displayed its award-winning TOUCH electronic measuring system, the 106EXT structural straightening bench, the MULTIBENCH single-bay repair solution, the Q5.2 three torch MIG/MAG welding machine, and the PULL UP! repair systems for glue-based cosmetic and structural pulling.
With a range of equipment built for collision repairers, Morgan shared that in late October, Spanesi America’s received OEM certification approval from Lucid Motors. Approved Spanesi products include the 106 and 106EXT Structural Straightening Benches and the TOUCH electronic measuring system. Each piece of equipment underwent stringent reviews for data accuracy by Lucid Motors before being approved for the program.
The company is working to ensure it is at the forefront of vehicle repairs.
“We understand the importance of working closely with the auto manufacturers to be able to repair a car properly,” said Morgan.
Another development is Spanesi America’s partnership with Operative Talent. Launched this year, Operative Talent was formed to engage and attract future talent to the automotive industry. Founding partners include the Collision Repair Education Foundation (CREF), BASF and KTL Restorations.
“Spanesi has helped spread the word about Operative Talent and they are also donating equipment to get shops involved with supporting the raffle,” said Brandon Eckenrode, CREF’s managing director. “In addition to Operative Talent, Tim and Spanesi have been long-standing CREF supporters.”
As a sponsor, Spanesi plans to raffle a measuring system and donate the money to Operative Talent. The team also hopes to bring young people into their Chicago, IL, facility and teach them how to measure vehicles and weld.
“They need hands-on experience to determine if this is the path they want to take,” said Morgan, who started in the industry when he was 14 years old and wants to encourage young people to learn about the opportunities available in the industry. “We’re really excited about being part of this initiative.
“The industry has been given a bad rap that it’s a dirty job, but it’s not,” he said. “It can be a very fulfilling career.”
For more information, visit www.spanesi-americas.com.
Stacey Phillips Ronak