3M Scotchgard PPF Blog

On June 22nd and 23rd, EPD hosted a marketing and installation workshop for its PPF installers. We welcomed installers from as far away as

Long Island, New York. The purpose of the two day workshop was to meet our customers and let them meet us. 

We kicked off the first day with a presentation from 3M’s Michael Beaver who discussed several of the changes that are taking place in the 3M world. Among the changes that he discussed were closed distribution, the 3M relationship to VentureShield®, and 3M’s new pattern software. 

After a catered lunch, Manny Hondroulis provided an overview of EPD, its capabilities, and its strategy for growing 3M’s share of the paint protection film market. 

Highlights of Manny’s presentation included:•How EPD manages its installer portfolio to deliver double digit consistent growth to 3M•Ongoing sales and marketing training through

Automotive Film University – an online forum for learning that has been recognized by Window Film Magazine•Cost-effective website development (design and content)•How to get your website ranked in Yahoo! and Google•Additional 3M products that can provide installers alternative revenue streams (Tint, Car Care Products, Headlight Restoration, and DI-NOC™ Automotive Finishes) 

The first day concluded with a competitive comparison between Scotchgard™, VentureShield® and films offered by the rest of the industry. Michael Beaver showed the audience how different films age on his new company car. 

The second day was conducted in our training facility and was devoted to advanced PPF, tint, headlight restoration, and DI-NOC™ installation training.  

Headlight restoration training was conducted by Michael Beaver. Michael demonstrated the multi-step, yet easy, process of removing the yellowness and fogginess from headlights. 

EPD’s PPF trainer, Dave Benz, shared advanced PPF techniques. Installers focused on installing Scotchgard™ on a Mini Cooper hood outfitted with racing stripes. 

EPD’s tint trainer, Shawn Hobson, provided a brief overview about window film. 

Finally, EPD’s Marian Giorgakis instructed participants on how to install DI-NOC™ Carbon Fiber on the entire hood and mirrors of a Mitsubishi Eclipse.

On June 22^nd and 23^rd, EPD hosted a marketing and installation workshop for its PPF installers. We welcomed installers from as far away as

Long Island, New York. The purpose of the two day workshop was to meet our customers and let them meet us.

 We kicked off the first day with a presentation from 3M’s Michael Beaver who discussed several of the changes that are taking place in the 3M world. Among the changes that he discussed were closed distribution, the 3M relationship to VentureShield®, and 3M’s new pattern software.  After a catered lunch, Manny Hondroulis provided an overview of EPD, its capabilities, and its strategy for growing 3M’s share of the paint protection film market. Highlights of Manny’s presentation included:•How EPD manages its installer portfolio to deliver double digit consistent growth to 3M•Ongoing sales and marketing training through

Automotive

Film

University – an online forum for learning that has been recognized by Window Film Magazine

•Cost-effective website development (design and content)•How to get your website ranked in Yahoo! and Google•Additional 3M products that can provide installers alternative revenue streams (Tint, Car Care Products, Headlight Restoration, and DI-NOC™ Automotive Finishes) The first day concluded with a competitive comparison between Scotchgard™, VentureShield® and films offered by the rest of the industry. Michael Beaver showed the audience how different films age on his new company car. The second day was conducted in our training facility and was devoted to advanced PPF, tint, headlight restoration, and DI-NOC™ installation training.  

Headlight restoration training was conducted by Michael Beaver. Michael demonstrated the multi-step, yet easy, process of removing the yellowness and fogginess from headlights. EPD’s PPF trainer, Dave Benz, shared advanced PPF techniques. Installers focused on installing Scotchgard™ on a Mini Cooper hood outfitted with racing stripes. 

EPD’s tint trainer, Shawn Hobson, provided a brief overview about window film.  Finally, EPD’s Marian Giorgakis instructed participants on how to install DI-NOC™ Carbon Fiber on the entire hood and mirrors of a Mitsubishi Eclipse. If you were unable to attend, rest assured that EPD will host future workshops.

Toyota Motor Company now privately labels 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film for use on its vehicles. Please see the attached file.

EPD has published its second bi-monthly newsletter. The Accelerator, which makes its debut this month, is geared at the PPF and Automotive Window Tint installer. Packed with the latest industry and 3M information, The Accelerator is a tool that can help EPD’s installers and dealers stay on top of the market.

EPD is pleased to announce that the first basic training session in our new training facility will be 12/1 - 12/3. All interested in attending should contact Marian Giorgakis at 1-866-PPF-5659. Additional information can be found here: http://www.ppffilm.com/training.php?language=english

There seems to be some confusion regarding the thickness of 3M Scotchgard Paint Protection Film. Some marketing material references an 8 mil thick product while other sources list a 6 mil product. The fact is both are correct; but it is a question of semantics. The actual urethane film itself is 6 mil thick. When you add the adhesive, overcoat, and liner, the film thickness is 8 mil thick.

EPD is pleased to announce that Marian Giorgakis has joined the Company to become its PPF installation trainer. Marian has an extensive background in the 3M vinyl world, installing graphics and wraps on vehicles for the past ten years. Her installation knowledge is so extensive that 3M has often hired Marian to provide training for its installation force across the United States.

Marian has quickly adapted to PPF installation since stretching film is required both in the vinyl and PPF world. Please join us in welcoming Marian to Energy Products Distribution.

Auto Trim & Restyling wrote the following article about paint protection film: http://www.atrn.com/ci_pick.cfm?id=448.

Due to 3M Company’s latest purchase of Venture Tape, EPD now sells Venture Paint Protection Film. Contact 855-PPF-5659 to order today.

The following article is reproduced from BusinessWire:

Acquisition Broadens 3M’s Pressure Sensitive Adhesive Tape Platform

ST. PAUL, Minn.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–3M announced today it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Venture Tape Corp., a global provider of pressure sensitive adhesive tapes based in Rockland, Mass. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Venture Tape manufactures a broad range of tapes used in construction, oil and gas, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), electronics, aerospace, marine and appliance markets. It also provides specialty industrial tapes complementary to 3M’s specialty tape product line used in splicing, automotive and automotive aftermarket applications. “This acquisition broadens our pressure sensitive adhesive tape platform, brings new channels to 3M, and allows us to expand into adjacent markets such as construction,” said Patrick Deconinck, division vice president, 3M Industrial Adhesives and Tapes Division. “Venture Tape has a strong customer-centric business model, which combined with our lean manufacturing practices, technologies and global coverage will broaden and improve our offering to customers.” “We see tremendous opportunities to continue to build our business by drawing on the strength of 3M’s resources and technical capabilities,” said Lewis Cohen, president, Venture Tape Corp. Based on more than 50 years experience in practical application of adhesive technology, 3M offers industrial tapes for bonding, protecting, masking, enhancing, shielding, damping, splicing, reinforcing, color coding, case sealing and more. Complementary acquisitions such as this support both 3M’s core business and growth strategy to expand into adjacent markets. Venture Tape employs approximately 400 people worldwide. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter, subject to customary closing conditions. About Venture Tape Corp. From its creation in 1980, Venture Tape has thrived by identifying niche markets, developing highly specialized products, solving technical problems, and improving production efficiency for companies large and small. Venture Tape is recognized as an innovative, world-class competitor with warehouses and sales offices in the U.S., Great Britain, Germany, Australia, the Netherlands and Singapore. About 3M - A Global, Diversified Technology Company Every day, 3M people find new ways to make amazing things happen. Wherever they are, whatever they do, the company’s customers know they can rely on 3M to help make their lives better. 3M’s brands include Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti. Serving customers around the world, the people of 3M use their expertise, technologies and global strength to lead in major markets including consumer and office; display and graphics; electronics and telecommunications; safety, security and protection services; health care; industrial and transportation. Scotch, Post-it, Scotchgard, Thinsulate, Scotch-Brite, Filtrete, Command and Vikuiti are trademarks of 3M.