Bosses at Shropshire’s National Windscreens has invested in a £1million programme to meet the growing demand for state of the art sensor and calibration technology.
John Smallman and James Morgan, who own National Windscreens’ fitting centres in Telford, Oswestry and Wolverhampton, have ordered the equipment which means their windscreen technicians will be able to carry out accurate calibration of the vast majority of camera sensors at the time of windscreen replacement within their three branches.
Mr Smallman said the £1million investment programme across the UK puts National Windscreens as a market leader to meet the growing demand for camera and sensor calibration (CSC) for ADAS (Advanced Driver Assist Systems).
Mr Smallman and Mr Morgan own the three fitting centres and cover Shropshire, North and Mid Wales and the West Midlands.
Mr Smallman, who runs the company with Mr Morgan from their head office on Halesfield 20, Telford said: “ADAS is certainly a feature in the motoring industry which cannot be ignored.
“The demonstration day we attended before the investment decision was made was phenomenal.
“The multi-functional mounted cameras include safety features such as lane departure warning systems, autonomous emergency braking (AEB) and adaptive cruise control. The future for ADAS is certainly very exciting.
“Obviously when a windscreen is replaced with such a system, the calibration of the ADAS camera and sensor is a key part of that process.
“This is a huge development within the automotive glazing industry and we are pleased to be on board with this investment.
“The fact we proudly retain our fitting centres which are open six days a week, along with a 24/7 service, rather than a mobile only service, is key to this investment.”
Figures show approximately 75 per cent of all camera sensors should be calibrated under workshop conditions rather than dynamic calibration for accuracy reasons.
Mr Smallman and Mr Morgan – who parents David and Janet Morgan set up the business in 1970 in Telford and expanded with branches in Oswestry and Wolverhampton – said they were proud to be a part of the national network of 108 fitting centres which will now offer the accurate calibration of the camera sensors when the windscreens are replaced.
James Morgan said: “Running a business in the motor vehicle industry means technology is constantly changing and it is vital we keep up to date with that for our customers.
“We are a proud Shropshire-based company offering automotive glazing across the county, across into Wales and across the West Midlands.
“We are constantly investing in staff training, technology and our premises – all to make it a first class experience for our valued customers – many of whom have been our customers since my parents launched in Telford more than 45 years ago. We are proud to be a part of the independently owned national network.”
National Windscreens is producing an ADAS Approved Code of Practice and, as a partner of many leading UK insurers and fleet businesses, will be offering billing arrangements for glass and calibration on one invoice.
Tim Camm, technical manager at National Windscreens, added: “It is anticipated that by 2020 more than 40 per cent of new vehicles will have at least two types of driver assistance system – driven by the desirable Euro NCAP 5 star rating.”
Some cameras and sensors can be calibrated by driving the vehicle (dynamic calibration), but a significant number of manufacturers require static calibration in workshop conditions to ensure accuracy.
Independently owned National Windscreens operates a UK network of 108 fitting centres. On average the UK motorist is never more than 11 miles or 20 minutes away from a National Windscreens technician.
For more information about the calibration service call Mr Smallman on 01952 684684 or email John@nationalwindscreens.co.uk.
John Smallman and James Morgan of National Windscreens who own fitting centres in Telford, Oswestry and Wolverhampton.
