R-M, BASF’s premium automotive paint brand, with RSB Autogroup, the South African distributor of R-M paint, successfully held the third local Best Painter Contest on 13 March in Midrand. After an exceptional showcase of skills by all five finalists, Arnold Rübler was declared the winner of the Best Painter competition. Rübler, who works for CMC Auto Panel, part of the Dals Group in Brackenfell, Western Cape, initially thought he was not eligible for this year’s competition. “When I found out that the age limit had been increased from 30 to 35 I realised I could enter. I didn’t expect to win it. I just went in it to give it my best,” he says. Having been in the industry for five years Rübler started out as an apprentice and worked his way up eventually getting to work in the spray booths. “I have fallen in love with what I do,” he says. The motto “Driving digital competency and eco-efficient solutions” combines the aspects of quick processes and digital solutions with the notion of sustainability. 

Commenting on their partnership with R-M, John Maroun, Group CEO of Bulldog Abrasives, says R-M is a product the company have been working with for 10 years now. “It has done exceptionally well in South Africa and is one of the only brands that does something like this around the world. Bulldog Abrasives is a firm believer in training and developing people. We are committed to doing more as we feel this is what our industry needs,” he says.

“RSB Autogroup and BASF thank all of the contestants, sponsors and everyone that took the time to be a part of the event. No one could have predicted that just two weeks after our competition finale, South African would be on lockdown. It is at times like this that we are truly tested. Ideally we need to think of new solutions and new opportunities. Training and development must be the solution for South Africa,” concludes Paul Mandersloot, BASF Managing Director.

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