Auto glass replacement firms Diamond Glass, Inc. and Belron US Inc. have agreed to settle the Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc. versus Safelite Group, Inc., et al litigation currently pending in the Un…
Auto glass replacement firms Diamond Glass, Inc. and Belron US Inc. have agreed to settle the Diamond Triumph Auto Glass, Inc. versus Safelite Group, Inc., et al litigation currently pending in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. After a Court ruling on 31 July 2006, both companies agreed it was time to resolve their differences and work together to better align themselves as active leaders in the industry emphasizing professionalism, quality, and best in class service standards. Commenting on the settlement, Dan Wilson, president and chief executive officer of Belron US said: “We have always believed in the integrity of our operations and those of our people who manage them. If nothing else, the Court“s 31 July 2006 ruling confirmed our belief that we have always operated our business in compliance with all applicable laws, adhering to best practices”. Bill Cogswell, president of Diamond added: “We are pleased to be able to put this litigation behind us and focus on what we do best, servicing the needs of our customers”. The settlement affords Belron US and Diamond the opportunity to work towards advancing the interests of the industry on best practices. Both companies will dismiss with prejudice their respective claims in the litigation. “As part of our settlement, Belron US and Diamond agreed to address certain activities that exist within the vehicle glass industry”, said Mr. Wilson. “Bill and I both agree there is a need to discontinue certain improper marketing practices that have become prevalent in our industry – practices that include providing or paying improper incentives for insurance related vehicle glass job referrals”, he added. According to Mr. Cogswell, neither company participates in programs of this type and both feel it is time for all vehicle glass companies to follow their lead and discontinue these practices. “By doing so, companies can invest their resources to provide their customers with a trusted level of professionalism and workmanship while competing fairly with other companies in the industry”, said Mr. Wilson. “In order to ensure a higher level of professionalism in the industry, glass shops must provide technicians with the resources necessary to raise and maintain their skill level. Ensuring technicians are properly trained is an important way to ensure all customers receive a safe and properly installed vehicle glass replacement”, said Mr. Wilson. According to Mr. Wilson, Safelite has procedures in place that include pre-employment drug testing and criminal background checks for new hires and motor vehicle driving safety checks for associates driving company vehicles. Mr. Cogswell added that similar procedures are in place at Diamond. “This process ensures the highest quality technician is considered — all with the safety of our customers and employees in mind”, said Mr. Wilson. “We look forward to working with Diamond and the industry to continue our efforts to ensure all customers receive a safe installation performed by qualified and properly trained individuals”, he added.