Safelite (Belron)..; Limiting Repair Options?

[Frank EU]

Why would Belron (Safelite) be joining the ANSI?
Is it just to make new attempts to limit the REPAIR options?
Belron (or its companies) previously made various serious attempts to limit the repair options.
Again, just like before, they will come up with test results, safety issues, very slick presentations. Sweet talk.
It will be presented around the nation at any insurance company office, board rooms and claim processors.
Sure, it is a large global business, and yes, it is reasonable to supose that they have experience and knowledge.
But NOT the monopoly to knowledge. All the money in the world should not, never, allow any business to be dominating an entire industry.
Anybody out there should be able to see that Belron companies have more interest in selling glass (replacing windshields) than doing repairs.
What are Belrons' real intentions to join the ANSI? Why do I feel (foresee) that it cannot be good for their competitors...?

Where is the NWRA? What is happening there?

What do you think re the below?

Belron Joins ANSI; Applies to Become ANSI-Accredited Standards Developer
February 10, 2010

Belron Technical, a division of Belron, has joined the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and has applied to become an ANSI-accredited standards developer, according to information from the latest ANSI newsletter. In addition, the company hopes to "develop and maintain standards for the automotive glass industry," according to ANSI. Belron Technical is a division of the Belgium-based company that focuses on a number of research and development areas, such as the company's new EZI-Wire® cut-out tool and its Glass Medic repair system, according to the company website. The ANSI newsletter lists Peg McKim, who previously was with the National Glass Association (NGA), as Belron Technical's standards consultant.

ANSI is a not-for-profit organization that oversees the standards-making process in various industries. Both the industry's replacement and repair standards, the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) and the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard (ROLAGS), both were developed using ANSI guidelines and are continually updated using the ANSI process.

McKim told glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine the company hasn't yet pinpointed what type of standards it will be developing. "They haven't gotten that far," she said. "They're just beginning talks about different things. Belron's a very big company and they've got to go through a lot of hoops for this type of thing,"

ANSI's process requires public disclosure and an open comment period for the public to voice any opinions they might have about such comments. Those with comments should send them to McKim via phone at 717/932-5834 or by e-mail to pegm@ptd.net by March 8, 2010, with a copy to ANSI's recording secretary at jthompso@ansi.org.
At press time, calls to ANSI for comment had not been returned.

Industry Reacts to Belron Technical's Application to Create ANSI Standards
February 11, 2010

Many in the industry were surprised yesterday to learn that that Belron Technical has joined the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and is seeking accreditation with the organization as a standards developer, and many also are questioning what the company’s goal might be. (CLICK HERE for related story.)

Jim Short, manager of Klein-Dickert Auto Glass in Madison, Wis., had many questions about this possibility and what it might mean for his business.
“Why create their own standard? Will it be created by one company and then pushed onto every other company via their Safelite Solutions contracts?,” asks Short. “Will Belron want to audit every other glass company that bills through Safelite Solutions? “ He also questions the need for another standard when the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standard (AGRSS) already exists.
“What will be changed from the current standard and can’t that be added to the current standard?” Short asks. “The current standard was created by many people from different segments of the industry, and what will be done by Belron and how? It is sad that a company wants to create a new standard for the whole industry, because they don’t like the current one.”

Wayne Gaudette of Glass Doctor in Raleigh, N.C., agreed.
“AGRSS has been working for more than ten years with ANSI to develop appropriate standards for our industry,” he says. “Yes, auto glass businesses have been asked for their input to help develop these standards. Belron has chosen to take a different direction. Belron can join AGRSS and have input to the AGRSS standards. All businesses with an interest in our marketplace working together will produce the best results for each business and our customers.”

Safelite technical director Glen Moses is a member of the AGRSS Standards Committee. However, Belron US CEO Tom Feeney has said in the past that the company does not intend to participate in the AGRSS registration program that begun last year. (CLICK HERE for related story.)

"Coincidentally, the board of directors of the AGRSS Council Inc. was meeting yesterday and did discuss this issue," said AGRSS Council president Debra Levy. "The Council is preparing comments for ANSI now," she added. (Editor’s Note: Levy serves as a volunteer leader of the Council. She is publisher of glassBYTEs.com/AGRR magazine.)

Jim Houdeshell, manager of Glass America’s location in Johnsonville, Tenn., questions not only the company’s motives, but also the enforcement of any possible standard Belron Technical might develop. “Who’s going to police them to make sure they are doing what they tell everyone else to do?” he says. “They have an ‘internal’ audit … What ever they develop will be to hurt others not to help the industry. They have their hands in too much as it is.“

ANSI's process requires public disclosure and an open comment period for the public to voice any opinions they might have about such comments. Those with comments should send them to McKim via phone at 717/932-5834 or by e-mail to pegm@ptd.net by March 8, 2010, with a copy to ANSI's recording secretary at jthompso@ansi.org. (c)2010 www.glassbytes.com All rights reserved

(the above two press releases are from glassbytes)

[SGT]

I would also like to hear the NWRA position on this!

Did the NWRA know this was in the works?

If not, how was it kept secret?

What is our WSR industries only body committed to "US" the repair only technician, going to do if this comes to be?

How about the MFG's what will they do?


Technicians lets be concerned and proactive to the extent you can and choose to be with things we can control. But look, somethings we cant control and some things cant control us. You will still be out there fixing fleets, dealerships, personal vehicles etc....Do you think they(your accounts) will care or enforce standard changes made by Belron/Saflite? No they just want there glass fixed! Coming from a highly regulated industry I feel confident that it wont stop me from doing business. I may be missing the big picture but that is my take on it.

[Frank EU]

ANSI Spokesperson Says It's Possible for a Private Company to Gain Accreditation as a Standards Developer, But Not Common; Same Rules Would Apply as to Other ANSI Standards Developers.
February 12, 2010

In light of the reports that Belron Technical, a division of the Belgium-based company, is seeking accreditation as an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards developer, ANSI spokesperson Elizabeth Neiman advised glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine that though private companies becoming standards developers isn't common, it is possible. "While it is not common for a company to become a standards developer, there is nothing in ANSI's Essential Requirements that prohibits or otherwise discourages an application from a company," says Neiman. Neiman points out that the Essential Requirements is a "procedural document that outlines the requirements for ANSI accreditation as a standards developer and for the development of American National Standards."
She says if Belron Technical does become accredited by ANSI as a standards-developer, the same rules will apply to them as any other standards-making organization, such as the Auto Glass Replacement Safety Standards (AGRSS) Council and the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standards (ROLAGS) Committee.
"Should Belron Technical become accredited by ANSI, they will be held to the same Essential Requirements as all other ANSI Accredited Standards Developers and will follow the same process, which has been laid down to ensure that American National Standards are developed in a manner that is equitable, accessible, and responsive," she says.

The ANSI guidelines outline several requirements for the development of an ANSI standard, as follows, according to Neiman:
- Participation must be open to all interested stakeholders;
- A balance of interests shall be sought;
- Consensus must be reached by representatives from materially affected and interested parties in an environment that is free from dominance by any party;
- Standards are required to undergo public reviews during which any member of the public may comment;
- Comments from the consensus body and public review period must be responded to in writing;
- All unresolved objections, attempts at resolution, and substantive changes to text are provided to the ANS consensus body for review prior to final vote; and
- An appeals process through the standards developer to address procedural concerns is required.

Neiman also notes that Belron Technical's application for accreditation has not yet been accepted, and is subject to a public comment review.

Those who are interested in reviewing Belron Technical's proposed operating procedures or in offering comments on their application for accreditation may do so by contacting Peg McKim, standards consultant, 176 Red Haven Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070, or by e-mail to pegm@ptd.net, with a copy to the Recording Secretary, ExSC, in ANSI's New York Office (available by fax at 212/840-2298 or e-mail to jthompso@ansi.org). Comments are due by March 8, 2010.

[Frank EU]

Belron Technical Petitions ANSI to Take Over ROLAGS Standard, According to ANSI Application
February 18, 2010

The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) process is a very open one and a review of Belron Technical's application for accreditation as a standards developer provides some insight into the company's objectives. According to the application, Belron Technical is seeking to become the secretariat and standards developer for the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass (ROLAGS) Standard. The standard was originally developed jointly by the National Windshield Repair Association (NWRA) and the National Glass Association (NGA), which serves as the secretariat for the document.

"The [NGA] has recently withdrawn from the auto glass industry and has offered Belron Technical the opportunity to take over and continue its standards work," writes Belron Technical in its application. "[Belron Technical] welcomes the opportunity to develop and maintain standards in the automotive glass industry that are needed for information and uniformity in the auto glass industry."

The application continues, "Belron Technical wants to become the Secretariat and standards developer for 'Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard®' (ANSI/NGA R1.1-2007). NGA has left the auto glass industry and does not want to continue to be a standards developer. [Belron Technical] has been a member of the standard developing committee (SDC) under Glass Medic and Safelite since the beginning of the development of the standard. BT will serve as secretariat as the SDC continues to work and revisions on the Repair of Laminated Auto Glass Standard."

Belron Technical says it also may "assume responsibility of [the] Automotive Glass Replacement Uniform Labeling of Adhesives (AGRULA) developed under NGA but not yet submitted to ANSI," according to the application.

Though Peg Stroka McKim was listed previously as Belron Technical's standards consultant in the ANSI newsletter announcing that Belron Technical had applied, Paul Syfko, general manager of Glass Medic, a part of Belron Technical, is listed as the official contact on the application. Syfko also serves on the ROLAGS standards development committee. McKim is a former employee of the NGA and had worked on the ROLAGS standard during her time with the association. Neither McKim nor Syfko had responded to calls for comment at press time.

NGA officials deny the accuracy of Belron Technical's statements regarding its work.

"We learned about this application and the context of it last night," said David Walker, NGA's vice president of association services, in an interview with glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine this afternoon. "We're absorbing it. All I can say at this point is it's inaccurate."

He continued, "The Belron statement is perhaps an inadvertent misrepresentation of the fact that NGA is at the moment not involved with standard-setting. That's not to presume that we won't be involved in standard-setting in the future."

When asked whether NGA had approached Belron about taking over the ROLAGS standard, Walker declined to comment, but said, "I would need to verify that."

Walker said that Leo Cyr, who retired from the NGA in December, had been the one handling the ROLAGS standard. Cyr also was unavailable for comment at press time.

National Windshield Repair Association president Mike Boyle, who also is president of Glass Mechanix, told glassBYTEs.com™/AGRR magazine he was surprised to learn that Belron Technical had petitioned ANSI to take over as secretariat of the ROLAGS standard, as NWRA has worked to develop the standard with the NGA since it originated.

"It's a joint standard," he said. "Speaking for the NWRA, our board is extremely disappointed in the fact that we initially funded the standard and are co-developers. We believe that the NGA should have contacted us directly concerning the future of the standard. We received no notification that the standard was being offered to an organization outside the NWRA and NGA, and we'll seek the right solution to this problem."

Boyle says that the NWRA board is having an emergency meeting "to decide on our direction and are currently considering all possible actions to maintain the standard it co-developed."

"We will be releasing a full statement in the next day or so," he adds.

Glass Technology president Kerry Wanstrath, who serves as vice president of the NWRA, concurred.

"I always assumed that if the NGA no longer was in the auto glass business that the co-developer and co-sponsor would take it over, which was the NWRA," says Wanstrath.

He also has some concerns about any private company taking over such an industry standard.

"Well, the temptation to use the Standard for any company's personal benefit would be overwhelming and I think that's why in the past ANSI has disallowed any one company from writing a standard," he says. "It's supposed to be an industry standard, not a company standard."

"I find it incredible that it could be given to a company rather than as an industry as a whole."

Belron's application for accreditation as a standards developer has not yet been accepted by ANSI. The public comment period is open through March 8. Those who are interested in reviewing Belron Technical's proposed operating procedures or in offering comments on their application for accreditation may do so by contacting McKim, Belron Technical's standards consultant, at 176 Red Haven Road, New Cumberland, PA 17070, or by e-mail to pegm@ptd.net, with a copy to the Recording Secretary, ExSC, in ANSI's New York Office (available by fax at 212/840-2298 or e-mail to jthompso@ansi.org).

[Frank EU]

This is post #4 re the Belron - ANSI application
Below is a press relaese from the NGA
It will probably be continued.

NGA REFUTES INACCURATE ANSI APPLICATION CLAIMS
MISSTATEMENTS ON BELRON TECHNICAL APPLICATION MUST BE CORRECTED

WASHINGTON, DC (February 18, 2010) - The National Glass Association, the leading business organization representing the North American glass industry, today refuted claims made in a technical ANSI application. The application, submitted by Belron, states that the NGA has “withdrawn” from the auto glass industry. Belron has since retracted its inaccurate statement and is issuing a press release to that effect.

“The NGA is, and always has been, committed to serving the auto glass industry,” said NGA Vice President David Walker. “Though economic forces have conspired to make some services too costly for us to provide, we continue to invest heavily in our world-class auto glass training and certification programs, and we remain actively engaged in many issues affecting the auto glass segment of our industry.”

Walker points out that five of the association’s 12 board members are auto glass company executives. Steve Mort, president of Don’s Mobile Glass, served as NGA Chairman of the Board until September 2009.

The NGA’s Auto Glass Certification program is more active and robust than ever, with certifications jumping by 32 percent in 2009 over 2008. The association’s training programs, including the MyGlassClass.com online platform, remain the gold standard of auto glass industry training. NGA also publishes the For Technicians Only e-bulletin, delivering step-by-step auto glass removal and replacement instructions directly to technicians’ e-mail boxes twice a month.

“While we are currently not in the business of developing standards, we have never foreclosed the prospect of doing so in the future,” stated Walker.

[SeeClearly]

The ANSI guidelines outline several requirements for the development of an ANSI standard, as follows, according to Neiman:
- Participation must be open to all interested stakeholders;
- A balance of interests shall be sought;
- Consensus must be reached by representatives from materially affected and interested parties in an environment that is free from dominance by any party;
- Standards are required to undergo public reviews during which any member of the public may comment;
- Comments from the consensus body and public review period must be responded to in writing;
- All unresolved objections, attempts at resolution, and substantive changes to text are provided to the ANS consensus body for review prior to final vote; and
- An appeals process through the standards developer to address procedural concerns is required.

SGT...you may be right in what you say about it not affecting your business. Although, I do not think that you can say that with 100% certainty at this point, and that might be ok with you. I too believe that my customer simply wants their windshields repaired versus the extra cost of having it repaired. But in the end, having a private company regulate/oversee something that should be regulated and overseen by a group or association is what is always best for the masses. We do need to pick and choose our battles wisely, but burying our heads in the sand and as long as it doesn't upset our little bubble that we live in is what has gotten the entire US into the current problems that exsist in this country. People need to get involved so that we CAN control things that so many feel are out of our control.

Let me ask you and others out there...what good can come from this? We cannot ignore it. If you read above where it says " Standards are required to undergo public reviews during which any member of the public may comment"......has anyone reading these messages commented, emailed, or called? That is the problem. Most Americans (I am 100% American) do nothing to prevent things from happening that are possibly negative to themselves or what they do. As long as I can live in my bubble and my little world isn't affected...I am good. BUT, when things start to change and the bubble has been burst, many many people are affected and can at that point they truly cannot do anything.

Again, I ask the question.....What good can come of this? I am interested in hearing comments from others.

[D2D]

Interesting story on the www.glassbytes.com news site.

If posting this URL breaks a forum rule, it should be allowed in this case.

The president of the NWRA is quoted as saying they have called an "emergency" meeting and will release a statement soon.

[Frank EU]

Interesting story on the http://www.glassbytes.com news site.

If posting this URL breaks a forum rule, it should be allowed in this case.

The president of the NWRA is quoted as saying they have called an "emergency" meeting and will release a statement soon.

That story already is posted here, see above.

[D2D]

I don't fully read stories that were obviously cut and pasted from another site-------sorry

[Brent Deines]

In the future please do not copy and paste copyrighted information from other sites and post on windshieldrepairforum.com. Posting the link as D2D did is the correct way to add this kind of information. In this case I was granted permission to leave the information copied from GlassBytes, but in the future I will have to remove copyrighted information that is not posted with permission from the owner of he site from which it was copied.

Also keep in mind that the information originating from this site is copyrighted and should not be copied to any other sites.

Thank you.