It's no accident
MCI Major Repair Center earns reputation for top-notch repairs and retrofits

When it comes to your coach, an accident doesn't have to be a disaster. MCI's Loudonville Service Center is an invaluable resource for major collision repair and refurbishment work as well as routine repairs, maintenance and wheelchair retrofits.

"MCI is the only place to go to bring your MCI coach back to factory-spec quality," says Walt Novak, general manager of the Ohio facility. "That's important if you're looking for longevity in your vehicles. You don't want shortcuts. There's a certain geometry to MCI's monocoque frame — it's critical that all of the pieces are in sync, and that's why you want to ensure that your repair is being done to factory standards.

So what happens to a coach after a collision?

Typically, in the event of major work, either Novak or Loudonville's body shop forman will visit the customer to work up an estimate. If the coach cannot be driven, the MCI team arranges its transportation via towing or low-boy vehicle. In appropriate cases, MCI provides a loaner coach to the customer.

Once the coach is in the shop, factory-trained MCI technicians, certified welders and body experts remove all damaged parts, further assess the damage and work toward bringing the coach back to near-original condition. Sometimes, that may mean calling on the fleet support parts department that is located on site. Other times, especially with older vehicles, that may mean manufacturing a special panel or part — which is also done onsite. "If it's made of metal, there's almost nothing that [plant manager] Carl Roth's folks in Service Parts can't make," says Novak. Indeed, manufacturing plays a major role at the 350,000 square-foot Loudonville facility. The service center itself occupies 75,000 square-feet and employs 23 technicians. Says Novak, "Space for coaches is never a problem."

Loudonville also includes a top-notch paint facility and can take on complete interior rehabs, oil changes and the full range of CoachExpress^sm service as well as sophisticated mechanical troubleshooting. Like all MCI Service Centers, it offers easy access to parts, including those on MCI's "Fast or Free Guarantee" list.

Says Novak, "We have a lot of repeat business and operators who want to come here because of our reputation. In the end, it's all about doing the repairs right and then getting the customer back into service as fast as possible."

To schedule an appointment call: 877-754-4404

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