Abbotsford, B.C. based 360 Fabrication has been named the Bodyshop Magazine 2011 Custom Refinish and Bodywork Award winner.
The business, one of the largest custom shops in the industry, actually comprises more than one business: the custom shop, an audio business, the upholstery business, and the collision operation which operates under the CARSTAR banner.
"We really approach the custom business as a business," says Rick Francoeur, who owns the business with his brother Daryl. "Just as with all the consolidation going on in the collision business, we recognized that we couldn't operate a successful business out of 3,000 square feet."
In fact, 360 Fabrication operates out of more than 20,000 square feet and employs 29 skilled associates.
Francoeur, who is also well acquainted with the marketing aspects of the business --"It's what I do every day," he says -- is proud of the following that their vehicles have developed, especially south of the border.
He says the Canadian style is different.
"Down south, not that I don't respect them--there are some awesome shops--but they build two kinds of cars: cars that look great at shows and on television, and cars that are bone stock restorations.
"Here, in Canada for some reason, we like to build cars that look almost stock but go 200 miles an hour!"
"In the three short years that we have been presenting this award, we have been fortunate enough to be able to honour some great professionals," says Bodyshop Magazine publisher Andrew Ross. "But in viewing the sheer quality, breadth, and volume of work that 360 Fabrication has produced brings this award to a whole new level. They are an amazing organization that everyone in Canada can be proud of."
And, as much as the business has been the recipient of numerous awards in its short five year history, Francoeur says that the Bodyshop Magazine Award is different.
"To be named custom shop of the year, by the Canadian industry magazine, is something special."
360 Fabrication will be profiled in the upcoming October issue of Bodyshop Magazine.
Suppliers to 360 Fabrication who would like to participate in the issue and congratulate 360 Fabrication on the award are invited to contact their Bodyshop Magazine representative or e-mail Bodyshop Magazine publisher Andrew Ross at aross@bodyshopbiz.com.