Belron International becomes latest IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence

Focus on ADAS qualification programmes makes leading vehicle glass repair and replacement group only the third IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence in the UK

Belron International, the world’s leading vehicle glass repair and replacement group which operates the Autoglass brand in the UK, has become the latest organisation to be named an IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence. With a clear focus on the critical role of qualifications to ensure vehicles with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) are properly calibrated before going back on the road, Belron has made significant investment in training facilities for its more than 1,100 UK technicians.

As a result, Belron International was named as the latest IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence, where a special presentation was held last week. Its dedicated Training Centre in the UK, opened in 2006, delivers courses to a wide range of Autoglass technicians. From apprentices to those wanting to maintain CPD in their qualifications, it keeps them up to date on the latest products, techniques and technology.

Belron has been a firm advocate of IMI TechSafe since its inception, supporting the development of the standards for technicians working on electric vehicles and cars and vans featuring ADAS. More than 58% of its UK technicians now hold IMI TechSafe ADAS qualifications, giving the brand an important customer differentiator in the highly competitive glass repair and replacement sector.

Being named as the latest IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence is a particularly significant achievement for the business and further underpins its objective to be an employer of choice in the automotive aftermarket.

"I am proud to see our commitment to ADAS qualifications and technician training recognised with the prestigious designation of IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence”, said Tim Camm, Technical Training & Quality Manager, Autoglass. “This achievement reflects our dedication to ensuring the safety and satisfaction of our customers by staying at the forefront of industry standards and technology."

 Steve Nash, CEO of the Institute of the Motor Industry added: “We are delighted that Belron International has become our third IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence, reflecting its commitment to training, supporting and promoting the IMI TechSafe ambitions and Professional Register.

“The focus of Belron International’s Training team and the numerous employees who have undertaken IMI TechSafe training illustrate just how seriously the business takes its commitment to excellence in customer service.”

The other IMI TechSafe Centres of Excellence are the BMW Group Academy and Lincoln College.

Centres aspiring to be an IMI TechSafe Centre of Excellence must meet set IMI criteria including delivering an outstanding quality of accreditation provision and being a vocal and proactive supporter of IMI TechSafe in internal and external communications. They must also demonstrate a clear commitment to upskilling their technicians.