HOFFMAN ESTATES, IL – November 2, 2012 – Washburn Institute of Technology (Topeka, KS) received a waterborne technology equipment upgrade through the generosity of BASF. The donation was made through the Collision Repair Education Foundation and included paint and related equipment to convert the school to waterborne refinish technology. This material will enable the school to keep pace with the collision industry by offering training in the latest repair technology. The school was selected as they applied for the Ultimate Collision Education Makeover grant in 2011. BASF also donated $5,000 to the Collision Repair Education Foundation towards the organization’s general campaign fund that provides their annual collision student scholarships, school grants, and the annual Ultimate Collision Education Makeover $50,000 school grant.
BASF OEM & Industry Relations Manager, Joseph Skurka, stated, “We recognize the crucial role educational institutions play in the collision repair industry. Automotive technology is changing at an ever increasing rate. Having access to the latest, most relevant tools and information is essential for a technician to succeed. We’re proud to support organizations that ultimately help our customers and the collision repair industry thrive.”
Washburn Institute of Technology Auto Collision Instructor Eric Showalter noted, “Through donations like this and partnerships with awesome suppliers like BASF, we can now train real time with state of the art equipment and emerging technologies. This puts our graduating students on the fast track to great job opportunities.”
Collision Repair Education Foundation Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode noted, “I commend BASF on their annual monetary contribution and the waterborne equipment upgrade for Washburn Institute of Technology. The waterborne equipment provided to the school will help keep the collision students current with industry repair methods and an upgrade that many collision school programs budgets across the country don’t allow. Through BASF’s generosity, this school’s collision program is able to better train the future professionals of the industry.”
For additional information on BASF Automotive Refinish, visit www.BASFrefinish.com. Industry organization looking to assist secondary and post-secondary collision school programs and their students through monetary and/or in-kind product donations should contact Director of Development Brandon Eckenrode at 847.463.5244 or Brandon.Eckenrode@ed-foundation.org.
