An Official Statement from RUPES to Our Customers
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RUPES Sponsors 2nd Annual Art of BigFoot Competition
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Top automotive painters compete for charity in one-of-a-kind contest
After a wildly successful inaugural contest in 2017, RUPES has once again attracted top automotive painters to customize their iconic BigFoot random orbital polisher for a fan vote. The customized tools will be on display at the 2018 SEMA show where visitors to the RUPES booth will be encouraged to vote in a variety of ways including the use of social media hashtags. The entry that receives the most votes across all platforms will receive a $3,000 donation to the charity of the painters choosing as well as $1,500 in RUPES equipment for their shop.
The participants in the contest are invited based on their unique skill and reputation within the automotive industry which results in a gallery of creations that all represent different styles and themes. While some of the competitors are skilled airbrush artists others are known for their pinstripe work and some for their overall painting skills, but one thing is for certain – each creation is completely original and will capture the attention of fans as they attempt to decide which is their favorite.
“We reached over 4 million unique impressions last year across all social media platforms and other participation.” says RUPES USA Marketing Manager, Dylan von Kleist “I’ve got a feeling we can top that this year!”
In 2017 the team of John Ward and Keith Eccles, known for their superhero-themed motorcycle builds, took home top honors for their Wonder Woman themed creation. They gained an edge on competition by inviting a costumed version of the super-hero to pose with fans next to their tool during the show. After winning the 2017 contest they were excited to participate again this year along with a few returning artists and a mix of new competitors. All the participants in the contest are well-known names in the world of automotive paint and customization:
- Steve Gibson of Air Oil and Lead
- Craig Fraser of Craig Fraser Studios
- Ron Gibbs, otherwise known as the “Canadian Rat Fink”
- Winner of the 2016 SEMA Battle of the Builders, HS Customs
- Beth Kearney of Lil’ Dame Pinstriping
- Dez Ferrel of Nessy’s Kustoms
- John Ward and Keith Eccles of RawTin Garage
- The worlds first non-profit custom shop, Swag Custom Rides
- Scott MacKay of Thin Air GraFx
- Mike Geier of Tikana Motorsports
- Randy Weaver of Weaver Customs
- Famous German painter, Thomas Zahn
Bursting onto the US market just 7 years ago with their innovative BigFoot large orbit polishing machines, RUPES has seen its tools and systems change the way detailing technicians and autobody professionals approach the process of surface preparation and restoration. The tools have even become so popular its not uncommon to see them being used in the background of popular car related television shows and in the most prestigious shops and garages around the world.
“The connection to paint and cars is so close with these tools that it makes perfect sense that we ask these artists to customize them for the contest. Plus, it’s a lot of fun to see people react to them in the gallery.” says Chip Case, CEO of RUPES USA. With their polishing systems becoming a mainstay in top shops around the world, and the more recent popularity of their world-class sanding and dust extraction systems for bodyshops, it is no wonder the RUPES brand is attracting so much attention from anyone who likes clean, custom, and shiny paint.
At the conclusion of the 2018 SEMA show the Art of BigFoot tools will join the creations from the 2017 contest on permanent display in the RUPES USA headquarters near Denver, Colorado. The entire gallery of tools from the 2017 contest are available to view online at rupesusa.com/artofbigfoot
RUPES Begins Production of Popular Skorpio III Palm Sander in USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Louisville, CO – RUPES USA, the US based subsidiary of Italian based RUPES SpA, has announced today that production of the companies extremely popular Skorpio III pneumatic palm sanders has begun in their Colorado facility. This comes on the heels of the Q1 2017 announcement that the latest generation of their category-defining BigFoot polishers known as Mark II would be assembled in the same facility for the North American market.
“This is really big for us” says Chip Case, CEO of RUPES USA “it means a tremendous amount of faith has been placed in our US team to continue the assemble these tools to the same high standard our Italian colleagues have set.”
The primary driving force for this expanded manufacturing is RUPES penetration into the US collision repair, custom build, and industrial markets. The companies 70-plus year legacy of providing premium polishing, sanding, and dust extraction solutions to the European market translates well to the US, Canada, and Mexico.
“By moving the principle assembly of Skorpio tools to the Colorado facility we can be more responsive to our customers needs” states Dylan von Kleist, Marketing Manager for RUPES USA. “With demand increasing and numerous well respected automotive refinishers choosing RUPES products it is key we be able to meet that demand.”
The Skorpio III palm sander is considered to be the finest tool of its kind in the category. With perfectly balanced internals, a high efficiency design, well considered ergonomics, and multiple configurations it is making a name for itself in body shops around the world. The Skorpio III can be configured with either a 125mm (5”) or 150mm (6”) Velcro backing pad and with orbit diameters of 3mm, 6mm, or 9mm to suit an operator’s specific needs. Additionally, it is available as a central vacuum tool for dustless sanding, a self-generated vacuum for use with RUPES Green Tech filters, or as a non-vacuum sander.
For additional information about this release or other news from RUPES USA contact the marketing department at (970)535-0100 or by email at marketing@rupesusa.com
RUPES USA can be found online at rupesusa.com or facebook.com/rupesusa
RUPES Sponsors One-of-a-Kind Painting Contest For Charity
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 19, 2017
RUPES SPONSORS ONE-OF-A-KIND PAINTING CONTEST FOR CHARITY
Celebrating their 70th anniversary the Italian based tool manufacturer has invited artists to create custom works of art to be voted on by fans
Longmont, CO – RUPES USA, the North American division of the Italian based RUPES SpA, today announced a unique contest that celebrates the company’s 70th anniversary as well as raise money for a worthy charity. RUPES has invited 11 highly respected automotive and motorcycle painters to customize their extremely popular line of BigFoot polishers, each artist has been asked to create a unique design of their own choosing that showcases their talents and with painters from all over the US, Canada, and even Europe participating the results are expected to be nothing short of spectacular.
The customized tools will eventually be featured at the 2017 SEMA Show in Las Vegas, Nevada where fans will be invited to vote for their favorite using social media and other channels. The most popular design will win $2000 to the charity of the painters choosing as well as $1500 in tools and equipment for the painters shop courtesy of RUPES. All artists participating will walk away with an assortment of RUPES products to help them continue to turn out amazing automotive artwork.
“This is going to be something spectacular.” says Dylan von Kleist, Marketing Manager for RUPES USA. “The combined artistic talents of the eleven participants is just mind boggling. I can’t wait to see what each of them create, but I’ve asked them to keep it a secret until we’re ready to reveal them, so it’ll be a surprise for all of us.”
The list of contestants is a roster of some of the most sought-after artists and customizers in the automotive aftermarket including Zane Cullen of Cotati Speed Shop, Scott MacKay of Thin AirGraFx, Craig Fraser of Craig Fraser Studios, Ron Gibbs, Cam Miller of HS Customs, Beth Kearney of Lil’ Dame Pinstriping, John Ward & Keith Eccles of Rawtin Garage, Thomas Zahn, Randy Weaver of Weaver Customs, Mike Coy of Gas Monkey Garage, and Pete Finlan of Hot Dog Kustoms
Bursting onto the US market just 6 years ago with their innovative BigFoot large orbit polishing machines, RUPES SpA has seen its tools and systems change the way detailing technicians and autobody professionals approach the process of surface preparation and restoration. The tools have even become so popular its not uncommon to see them being used in the background of popular car related television shows and in the most prestigious shops and garages around the world.
All of the customized polishers will be on display in the RUPES SpA booth during the 2017 SEMA Show, North Hall – Booth 12161. Be sure to come see these one-of-a-kind creations for yourself and cast a vote for your favorites. The winner will be announced on social media and all the tools will remain on display in new RUPES USA headquarters, scheduled for completion in late 2017.
PRESS INQUIRIES:
For additional information on this release or other news from RUPES USA contact the marketing department at (970)535-0100 or by email at marketing@rupesusa.com
RUPES USA can be found online at rupesusa.com or facebook.com/rupesusa
RUPES USA Sponsors Restoration of Historic WWII Aircraft
Santa Ana, California – An all-volunteer team of 35 professional detailers was on site at John Wayne International Airport in Santa Ana, California for a restoration and preservation detail of the iconic “Witchcraft” B24J Liberator Bomber owned by the Collings Foundation. The World War II era plane is the only remaining example of the over 18,000 built that is still airworthy today.
The project, organized by Jose “Joe” Fernandez of Superior Shine Auto Detail aims to restore, preserve, and protect the historically significant aircraft. When asked about why he chose to coordinate this project Fernandez stated “The B-24 and B-25 represent a very important part of American history. Preserving this B-24 ensures that the story gets told and we do not forget the sacrifice of so many brave people during the war.”
Investing over 330 combined man hours the team of detailers, some from as far away as Missouri, used an assortment of RUPES BigFoot polishers to restore a shine to the faded and oxidized finish. For those detailers who already owned polishers RUPES provided full reconditioning of their tools prior to the project to make sure they were in peak operating condition prior to starting work.
“We share Jose’s thoughts on the significance of this plane,” says Chip Case, CEO of RUPES USA, Inc. “helping his team of volunteers achieve their goal of restoring and preserving this aircraft by factory reconditioning their tools and providing additional support was absolutely our pleasure.”
After the project was completed a select group of World War II veterans, all of whom had spent time in B24J bombers during the war, were treated to a flight in the freshly cleaned and polished aircraft over Orange County California.
Witchcraft along with numerous other historic aircraft owned by the Collings Foundation visit over 120 cities annually as part of the Wings of Freedom Tour. The tour relies solely on contributions and donations to cover operating costs and ensure the future of these aircraft as flying symbols of American patriotism.
RUPES Breaks Ground on New State-of-the-Art US Facility
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 25, 2017
RUPES BREAKS GROUND ON NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART US FACILITY
Italian based tool manufacturer, continues growth in the US market
Longmont, CO, 1BApril 25, 2017– Key members of the US offices for RUPES were on hand last month in the Colorado Tech Center for an official ground breaking ceremony. This event marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the Italian based manufacturer in the North American market. Upon its completion, the new building will house manufacturing, sales, training and support for the entire range of RUPES products.
“This is the latest in a line of many incredible milestones for RUPES in the USA,” says Chip Case, General Manager/CEO for RUPES USA. “In such a short time RUPES has established a meaningful and powerful commitment to this market and this new facility will be a monument to that dedication.”
The new, state of the art, facility will increase the manufacturing capacity of RUPES in the US as well as expand the related support and sales activities. As part of the project the RUPES team has designed a world class training facility mirrored after the BigFoot Detailing Academy at the company’s corporate headquarters in Milan, Italy. This venue will become a destination for all serious professionals looking to learn from the very best trainers in the industry. Completion of the new facility is expected in late 2017.
RUPES SpA is a one of the leading manufacturers of specialty electric and pneumatic tools as well as vacuum dust extraction systems for a variety of industries including detailing, body shop, industrial, woodworking, and marine.
PRESS INQUIRIES:
For additional information on this release or other news from RUPES USA contact the marketing department at (970)535-0100 or by email at marketing@rupesusa.com
RUPES USA can be found online at rupesusa.com or facebook.com/rupesusa
RUPES Reinforces Commitment to Detailing Industry Education and Excellence Through the IDA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 14, 2016
RUPES REINFORCES COMMITMENT TO DETAILING INDUSTRY EDUCATION AND EXCELLENCE THROUGH THE IDA
Italian tool manufacturer rolls out new international certification policy
Longmont, CO, September 14, 2016– Further solidifying their dedication to the improvement of the detailing profession RUPES announced today a new policy in which all field sales and training representatives will be required to pass the International Detailing Associations Certified Detailer and Skills Validated exams as part of their employment. The initiative has already been put into place in the USA and RUPES plans to roll the program out globally to all its sales territories internationally.
The International Detailing Association is the leading industry association for professional detailing operators, suppliers and consultants to the industry. The association is dedicated to promoting the value of professional detailing services, the recognition of professional detailing as a trade, and empowering detailing industry professionals at each stage in their career.
“Given the synergy in our philosophies it just made perfect sense,” says Dylan von Kleist, Marketing Manager for RUPES USA. “As lifetime members of the IDA Founders Club with a high level of commitment to training this initiative just demonstrates how important we feel the mission of the IDA is to the detailing industry as a whole.”
As the manufacturer of the wildly popular BigFoot Random Orbital Polishing System, RUPES has long been recognized as an organization with strong technical competency and a leading authority on all matters pertaining to automotive surface care and restoration. Members of the RUPES team have served as trainers as well as board members for the IDA while regularly contributing technical content for the IDA University educational seminar programs.
With rapid growth and expansion around the world, RUPES will continue to certify and validate the skills of all new hires through the IDA program becoming the first manufacturing organization to make such a commitment as a globally official policy.
Bob Phillips, Certification Committee Chairman for the IDA, added “Obtaining these levels of certification is no small task. A total of 10 written exams and a pass/fail validation test conducted by a live trainer, both focused on all aspects of professional detailing. We’re excited to have RUPES committed fully to what the IDA does as they set an excellent example for the rest of the industry to follow.”
PRESS INQUIRIES:
For additional information on this release or other news from RUPES USA contact the marketing department at (970)535-0100 or by email at marketing@rupesusa.com
RUPES USA can be found online at rupesusa.com or facebook.com/rupesusa
RUPES Bigfoot Production Officially Starts in the USA
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 29, 2016
RUPES BIGFOOT PRODUCTION OFFICIALLY STARTS IN THE USA
Italian manufacturer invests in US operation for their popular electric tools
Longmont, CO, July 29, 2016– Continuing their commitment to growth in the US market, RUPES announced today the beginning of production for a number of their popular BigFoot electric polishers at their North American facility. This event marks the first time that the primary manufacturing of the class-leading BigFoot tools will occur outside of Italy.
“It is truly an honor,” says Chip Case, General Manager for RUPES USA. “The investment and the faith in our team here in the US to build these tools shows just how committed to supporting the US market RUPES is.”
Manufacturing tolerances and standards set in Italy are maintained in the Colorado facility, including strict quality control. LHR21ES and LHR15ES tools from the US factory have already begun to make their way into the market with the Mark II versions and other BigFoot models to follow by the end of Q4 2016.
After bursting onto the scene about 5 years ago, the RUPES BigFoot family of tools have become the preferred option for professionals and enthusiasts. With the manufacturing of the tools now a reality in the US, the company will be able to provide even higher levels of service and produce tools to meet the ever-increasing demand.
RUPES SpA is one of the leading manufacturers of specialty electric and pneumatic tools as well as vacuum dust extraction systems for a variety of industries including detailing, body shop, industrial, woodworking, and marine.
PRESS INQUIRIES:
For additional information on this release or other news from RUPES USA contact the marketing department at (970)535-0100 or by email at marketing@rupesusa.com
RUPES USA can be found online at rupesusa.com or facebook.com/rupesusa
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