Sherwin-Williams Automotive Finishes Corporation (SWAFC) has announced it will hold a fourth A-Plus University EcoLean workshop at the Celebration Hotel in Orlando, October 1-2, 2009.

The EcoLean program is presented by SWAFC’s A-Plus Network as part of its A-Plus University curriculum. The workshop is specifically developed for collision shop owners and managers who are interested in leveraging the power of lean production as well as business solutions that reduce environmental waste.

The workshop and its courses are designed to afford the opportunity for attendees to relax in the company of industry peers and learn from one another over a two-day period. Course curriculum includes:

• Introduction to EcoLean - The principles of running a greener business;

• Improving Workshop Efficiency - The history of Lean Production, and its practical application in collision repair;

• Principles of 5S - Methods of making your facility more efficient and consistent;

• Building a Lean Culture - How to build a Lean culture from the ground up.

The program combines two of the most powerful forces in today’s collision repair market: lean production and green business solutions. EcoLean allows collision repair shops to take advantage of these two important disciplines through a sustainable program to drive profitability through the reduction of waste.

EcoLean was designed to help body shops improve their productivity and profitability, while reducing the environmental impact on our planet, according to Rodes Brown, SWAFC Manager–Marketing Strategic Programs.

“We are excited with the response to our EcoLean program,” said Brown, “We see the market moving rapidly toward leaner and more environmentally responsible business models, and we have now built a compelling set of tools and services to help our customers drive efficiency and reduce waste, both financial and environmental.”

To register for the EcoLean A-Plus University online, go to www.sherwin-automotive.com/en/Events.aspx. For more information on EcoLean, call (804) 433-9690.