Sterling Autobody Centers donated auto body paint and
materials valued at more than $200,000 to 36 high schools,
colleges and vocational programs. Sterling recently
completed its network-wide conversion to AkzoNobel
waterborne paint, resulting in a surplus of solventborne
material such as toners, clears, hardeners and
primers.
The donation also included adhesives, abrasives and a host
of other body materials. Trade and technical programs in 13
states benefited from the donations, which were facilitated
by the Collision Repair Education Foundation.
Bob Benjamin, Sterling Vice President of Operations said,
“Technicians are the lifeblood of our industry and we are
proud to support the many programs around the country
responsible for their training and development. Donating
our surplus paint and materials is the right thing to do for
the environment, but more importantly, it’s an investment in
our future and the future of the collision repair
industry.”
Kenneth McMillian, Instructor for the Collision Technology
Program at Kennedy-King College in Chicago said, “On behalf
of Kennedy King College and myself, I would like to thank
Sterling Autobody for the generous donation. This donation
will help enhance the quality of education for many of the
students here at Kennedy King College. The staff here was
almost in tears when they saw how much paint was donated.
This will give our students who have a dream and desire to
succeed in a career of automotive collision technology a
fair chance to achieve those goals.”
Scott Kruger, Executive Director of the Collision Repair
Education Foundation added, “We have all witnessed the
recent industry trends toward “green technology,” and
Sterling’s donation is in keeping with these “green” efforts
by recycling their unused paint supplies. Rather than let
this material go to waste, these supplies will be put to
good use in teaching young men and women the skills needed
to find a great career in the collision industry. Thank you
to Sterling Autobody Centers for their efforts to help both
the environment and collision repair schools.”
