Gemini Mackay Rebrand
When Gemini Mackay – a busy automotive panel shop in the industrial suburb of Paget – undertook a brand transformation, they called in Grant Painters to help bring their premises in line with a new corporate look.
The goal was to create a clean, contemporary environment that better reflected their modern brand, all without interrupting the shop’s fast-paced operations.
The project required not only expert craftsmanship, but also precision project management to deliver a polished finish – all the while allowing for business continuity.
The work involved a full exterior transformation, as well as overhauling the appearance of the internal structure – degreasing and painting previously unpainted walls for a light, attractive space. Scissor lifts were used extensively throughout this process.
In addition, the tired concrete floor of the premises was given a much-needed makeover, complete with crisp linemarking.
Challenges and solutions
Working in a Live Workshop
Gemini’s workshop is a high-traffic space, with numerous customer vehicles and operational equipment in constant use. The painting team had to carefully coordinate schedules to ensure all vehicles and gear were removed prior to any surface preparation or coating.
Solution:
Grant Painters established a strict work program aligned with Gemini’s schedule and maintaining constant communication to manage daily access and handovers.
“We created work program, including sectionalising parts of the building with the aim of allowing Gemini to continue trading throughout,” said Grant Painters owner Stuart Grant.
“Operating in a live environment meant that communication had to be perfectly aligned to the daily expectations of what was to be achieved, over a significant period of time.
“Over several months, Gemini lost only one day of trading and that was when the entire floor was being prepared, repaired and painted.
“Because we were using spray equipment for efficiency, customer cars and workshop equipment had to be shifted well away from where we were working each day.”
Restoring a 20-year-old floor
The concrete floor was deeply pitted, stained, and saturated with grease – a significant obstacle for re-coating and sealing.
Solution:
Prep is key: Rejuvenating the floor with a high-build epoxy coating.
Grinding and extensive patching was completed over a long weekend to meet structural and visual standards, while the application of a fast-curing two-coat high-build epoxy coating ensured the floor could handle vehicular traffic relatively shortly after completion.
Because of the tight timeframe for the floor reopening, the team dedicated an entire long weekend to floor works, including deep cleaning, repair, and recoating, to allow for seamless reopening the following week.
The results
The transformation delivered a fresh, modern look in line with Gemini’s corporate rebrand – on time, on budget, and without affecting business continuity. The final result was a testament to the team’s attention to detail, logistical planning, and commitment to quality.
Gemini centre manager Rob Sanders said his experience in working with Grant Painters had been “very positive”.
“The process of getting our workshop rebranded occurred over a long period of time mostly due to Head Office decision timing and approvals.
“When it came time to have Stuart and team begin the process, we had lots of communication about what was required plus lots of helpful advice and suggestions about managing the work with as little interruptions as possible.
“Stuart and team worked nights and weekends to get the interior and exterior walls painted. When it came to the floor painting we had to negotiate the best time frame to be the least impacting on our productivity.
“It all went very well and the finish is very good. I would be happy to recommend Grant Painters to anyone looking to have industrial painting done.”
New-look workshop: Sharp new line marking adds the finishing touch.
The Project at a glance
Client: Gemini Mackay
Location: Paget, Mackay QLD
Project Type: Commercial rebrand and refurbishment
Duration: Completed with minimal disruption during after-hours and weekends
Scope: Full exterior and interior refurbishment and floor restoration aligned with new corporate branding
Project Highlights
Live environment: Work was conducted outside business hours – including nights and weekends – to ensure zero impact on daily operations.
Minimal downtime: Despite the extensive scope, Gemini lost only one trading day throughout the entire project.
Floor transformation: A 20-year-old concrete floor, heavily worn and stained from years of use, was restored and sealed for ongoing vehicular traffic.