Lji Collision Center

Beachwood (216) 364-7100
Cleveland Heights (216) 932-7100
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LJI Collision plays a key role in developing the next generation paint system

terry-troy

Published: Saturday, December 15, 2012, 5:00 AM

news02-imageLaunching an entirely new independent repair center under a new brand and building it into a $3 million-a-year shop is no easy task in today’s competitive market.

Entrepreneurs Lauren Angie and Jill Strauss, founders of LJI Collision Center in Beachwood, has been instrumental in the development of the new Blowtherm spray booth.

“We decided very early on in our planning that we would seek out the most eco-friendly and energy-saving equipment available,” said Mike Giarizzo, advisor for the business. “We are very proud of what we have been able to accomplish here with this new system.”

LJI Collision was the first shop in the United States and one of the first in the world to incorporate all of the energy-saving and eco-friendly options that Blowtherm has available. And the benefits to both the collision center’s customers and its employees are noticeable.

“When we started this store, we really went out on a limb to make sure that we were going to satisfy our customers,” said Strauss. “But, the way we set up the store also contributed to healthier and happier employees. That really tightens up everything when it comes to operations, and the enthusiasm of our employees continues to grow as our business grows.”

The Blowtherm system at LJI is one of the most technically-advanced spray-booth and prep-station combinations in the industry. It uses an Air Speed system that uses environmentally-safe waterborne coatings, as opposed to solvent-based coatings.

A solvent-based paint, which is the traditional type of coating used in most collision centers, uses chemicals for thinning pigment solids. It releases volatile organic compounds into the atmosphere.
Waterborne paint systems greatly reduce VOC emissions. At LJI, they use the Sikkens Autowave waterborne coating from Akzo Nobel.

The heated air makeup units in the system are equipped with heat recovery systems that reduce energy consumption, while reducing the temperature of the air released into the atmosphere. Heated air is reintroduced into the heating system, which in turn reduces the heating bill by 60 percent.

The air makeup units also have a dual filtration system that greatly reduces the amount of particulates and VOCs that escape into the atmosphere. The air makeup unit has a uniquely designed 100-percent efficient direct-fired low NOX burner that minimizes CO2 emissions, while reducing energy consumption.
Prep stations afford the option of being able to bake in zones, which further reduces the use of energy when not at full capacity.

The real benefit to LJI’s customers is that the Blowtherm Air Speed waterborne flash off and curing system that applies those coatings guarantees a cleaner more durable paint finish than traditional spray booths. It offers a finish that is equal to or exceeds factory coatings.
More importantly, this new system is simply much better for the health and welfare of LJI’s employees. The environment is cleaner, but it also includes lifts in prep stations to bring body work up to an ergonomically-friendly level.

“This is probably one of the most popular and cleanest environments in this industry,” said Angie. “With this system, we were able to bring together a quality paint product in an environmentally-friendly way, while also improving the health and safety of the people who work here.”

Testimonials

I want to wish you all happy holidays and tell you how pleased I was with your company. You totally exceeded my expectations with your outstanding customer service to detailing my car both inside and out. It looks brand new again! I was so pleased, I spoke to farmers Agent and told him as well!! I would highly recommend your company to anyone requiring your service and will recommend you to all my friends and family!

Lauren, Jill and all at LJI Collision, You are all so wonderful. Thank you for everything!

Evelyn Hayes

I just want to thank you for the recent service you provided me on my automobile. It was a pleasure to have you provide such courteous and efficient service.

Additionally I enjoyed talking with you and learning of your family’s three generations of service. I deem LJI to be real asset in our community.

It was nice meeting you.

Sincerely,
Louis Stokes

One of you called me 2 weeks ago to follow up on the repairs. Sorry I haven’t gotten back to you sooner. However you and I are aware that in the business world, ‘no news is good news’. I am loving the car……..everything appears to be perfect.

Thank you for taking such good care of my and the Mazda. It is greatly appreciated.

Amy

Your kindness and generosity are greatly appreciated. As I was traveling yesterday, Monday 30 September, I stopped in to ask if you could help me with a close to flat tire. Not only was it quickly and cheerfully taken care of, but your service was offered as a gift. Your spending work kept me on schedule and I am very grateful. Everyone there is in my prayers. Thank you!

Sincerely,
Rev. David A. Novak

At the beginning of the year I was involved in an accident during snow storm. Unfortunately, a driver ran a red light and hit me right behind the driver door of my 2006 Ford F-150. Nobody was hurt but it did some major damage and electrical damage to my truck. It took the truck into LJI Collision Center (LJI) to have you repair the damages.

From the very first call, the communication and negotiation between LJI and my insurance carrier was outstanding. The necessary work and communications were done in a professional and timely matter so that I could have my truck back in pre-accident condition. Your daughters, Jill Strauss and Lauren Angie, were very kind and helpful in assisting me during the time required to fix the damages of my truck.

I am highly satisfied with the work and attitude that LJI demonstrated to their customers and I would highly recommend LJI Collision Center to anyone that needs collision restoration work on their vehicle.

Thank you,
Jason G. Grecco
Licensed Remediation Specialist
Director of Marketing
Senior Project Manager
Certified Professional Geologist
BJAAM Environmental, Inc.

And by awesome, I mean awesome!

What an amazing experience at your shop yesterday!! Talked about your kindness and the wonderful work you did all day. I was floored by your service levels. I will continue to tell people how AWESOME LJI is for weeks and months to come! Enjoy a treat on me!

Thank you again for everything,
Jill

Beachwood

27100 Chagrin Boulevard,
Orange Village, OH 44122
Phone: (216) 364-7100
Fax: (216) 364-7110

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Cleveland Heights

1640 Lee Road,
Cleveland Heights, OH 44118
Phone: (216) 932-7100
Fax: (216) 932-4430

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