Carrosserie Vandenbussche: a family business with a vision for the future
Carrosserie Vandenbussche was founded 51 years ago by Julien Vandenbussche and remains a family business that combines swift decision-making with thorough deliberation. The daily management is now in the hands of his son Rudi, grandson Bram, and Bram’s wife Deborah. Originally located in the rural area of Gullegem, the company struggled with limited visibility and a lack of space, leading to significant losses due to time spent moving vehicles. Bram explains: "This problem has now been resolved, contributing to a substantial improvement in efficiency."
Investing in the future
Bram and Deborah have enthusiastically chosen to continue the body shop's activities and invest in the future. "We had to take action to sustain our business. We were looking for a well-connected location with enough space to ensure a smooth flow of our operations," says Bram. They eventually opted for the former Barco site, which has now been sustainably repurposed, offering 2,500 m² plus a covered storage space.
A strategic location
The new location is ideal for the company's growth and can accommodate six medium-sized businesses. Bram explains: "We chose a spot with high visibility and excellent accessibility, close to the Kortrijk ring road and highways." The company's layout and workflow were the result of a year-long collaboration with Sima and project developer Futurn.
Modern facilities
Unlike the old workshop, which was only 580 m², they now have 1,000 m² of extra space. The reception area is designed as a ‘drive-in,’ offering protection from rain and good lighting, so vehicle damage can be easily identified. Customers can register their vehicles, which are then brought to the workshop. The reception is equipped with thick glass walls, allowing customers to see into the workshop. There is a comfortable waiting area with coffee and workspaces, as well as a meeting room. A play area has been created for children.
Team spirit
The Carrosserie Vandenbussche team consists of ten people. Bram, Rudi, and Deborah share the administrative tasks. Bram emphasizes the importance of effective follow-up: "Personally, I handle quotes, spare parts orders, and defending files with experts, insurers, and involved garages. This approach pays off because we relieve the garages of both repair work and dealing with the involved parties. We ensure proper handling of each file, which is appreciated by garages and dealers. Thanks to PlanManager, we maintain the flow of information with photos, documents, quotes, spare part orders, and invoices, so we can complete repairs on the same day."
In the workshop
Thanks to the additional space, each employee now has at least three workstations with specific lifts, and the paintwork tasks are efficiently grouped. Besides the classic spray booth, there are two smart boxes and a spray booth suitable for trucks, vans, caravans, and motorhomes. A unique feature is the underground dust extraction system in the vehicle preparation zone, ensuring quick and quality work. Rudi explains: "The engines only run at full speed during spraying. Afterward, they automatically switch to 'eco' mode or baking mode, reducing energy and material consumption. The settings can be adjusted to the circumstances." Carrosserie Vandenbussche also has its own paint lab with electronic color detection.
Four repair circuits
There are four repair circuits. The first circuit involves traditional repairs with adjustments and painting in a classic booth. The second circuit is reserved for Fast Line repairs in smart boxes, where sanding, priming, and local paintwork all happen in the same place. Ultra-fast-drying products ensure that repairs are completed on the day of intake. The third circuit includes Smart Repair, such as polishing and repairing windshield chips. Finally, there is a separate line for trucks, motorhomes, and caravans, using methods adapted to plastics. Where possible, panels are repaired rather than replaced.
The future
Bram has a clear vision for the future: "More and more vehicles are equipped with driving assistance systems, leading to autonomous vehicles. Therefore, we want to become a service point for ADAS calibration." The team has already taken steps toward handling electric and hybrid vehicles. All employees have completed HEV 1 training, and Bram holds a certification for deactivating vehicles. There is a space for storing damaged electric or hybrid vehicles, with four charging points. After repairs, customers receive their electric vehicles with a fully charged battery, and hybrid replacement cars, electric bikes, and an electric scooter are also available. Carrosserie Vandenbussche offers customers a complete service package for all types of repairs: "We fix small dents without painting, weld plastic bumpers, repair headlights and wheels, and remove small windshield chips. We offer full service at a reasonable price."
