Thatcham, the crash repair company, has proposed the formation of a Repair Industry Welding Action Group (RIWAG) to address key welding related issues in modern vehicle repair.

The new group will focus on four areas within welding; equipment, training and accreditation, the welding process and materials knowledge.

Jason Moseley, chief operating officer and chairman of the BSI kite mark working group at Thatcham said: “There are a vast number of challenges in welding the modern vehicle and by uniting the industry it is hoped that this new steering group can achieve similar success and begin to resolve and get agreement on some of the challenges that lie ahead.”

The RIWAG also wants to join forces with the Automotive Welding Action Group (AWAG) and has invited them to add its input into the programme.

The first RIWAG meeting will take place at Thatcham on July 16.