Yellowknife (Jan 03/07) - The thought of autobody repair work may make most drivers cringe, but for those involved with a new company in Yellowknife it's putting smiles on their faces.

Frozen Few Group of Companies is set to open up a collision repair shop on Melville Drive by mid-January, said co-owner Chris Brown.

The main focus of the shop will be collision repair, but the group of companies includes three offshoots with distinct services, he said.

The trio of shops, each with their own name, includes the Frozen Few Collision Center, Bear Bonez Customs Paint and Airbrush Studio, and Lost Legendz Custom Rod and Restoration.

"We want to make this a one stop shop," Brown said.

Plans for the multi-service shop have been in the works since last February and the shop is expected to employ eight to 12 full-time workers, including journeyman autobody technicians and mechanics, said Brown.

Frozen Few Group of Companies will use two separate buildings, one for collision repair work and the other for refurbishing work, he said.

"We want to keep it separate to keep one building cleaner for finishing work," he said.

The business is in the final stages of installing a new down draught bake-oven paint booth in the refinishing room. A mixing room is also set up in the refinishing building, he said.

Customers will be the top priority for the company, Brown said, adding a spacious reception area and showroom are being built.

On-site vehicle rental will be available for clients and financing for collision and custom/paint work will also be available, said Brown.

Pricing for restoration and paint work will vary depending on customers' preferences, while collision repair work "will be as competitive as the other shops in town," he said.

Being able to offer customized restoration and painting in Yellowknife should save people money, especially on transportation, said co-owner Kathryn Pickering.

"Getting a vehicle south can cost thousands of dollars," she said.

By combining three different services under one roof, she said customers will have more options and can have confidence in the operation thanks to the more than 50 years' experience behind the owners.

So far, Pickering has heard a lot of positive feedback from Yellowknifers and is confident motorists in need will flock to the shops.

"We're hoping people will chop their weeds down and get their old cars in here," she added.