From spray booth to complete solution – how PIVAB is meeting future demands

EXHIBITOR | As a world leader in energy-efficient spray booth installations, PIVAB holds a strong and natural position in the future of paint and body repair. In her role as COO, Virginia Pihlblad follows the developments up close and works every day to meet new demands for efficiency, energy optimisation and smarter workflows. Ahead of PIVAB’s participation at Automässan in January, we took the opportunity to ask a few questions to get a clearer picture of what is happening in the industry right now – and what visitors can expect to discover in their stand.

Paint and body repair is an area where technology is moving fast. What do you see as the biggest change right now?

“The biggest shift is happening in drying and curing temperatures. Paint suppliers have developed products that require completely new conditions, which in turn affects how we build and use spray booths – or rather workstations, which they’re increasingly becoming. The challenge isn’t the technology itself, but keeping up with the pace of change, especially with the rapid development within AI and automation. For us, it’s about meeting these demands with efficiency and low energy consumption, optimising air exchange and ventilation so that each system uses exactly the amount of energy needed – no more, no less.

“What’s most important going forward is that all of us in the industry focus on the end user’s energy and resource consumption. This is completely in line with PIVAB’s mission – minimising energy use without compromising quality or function.”

How are electrification and new materials affecting your work?

“We want to help shape the change, not only react to it. Electrification can easily become skewed if you don’t look at where in the chain it happens – or if you simply add a battery without thinking further. It’s about using the most sustainable and efficient energy source at every step and building systems that support that flexibility. Our work has always been about creating smart systems that request the right type of energy at the right moment and that can handle several different energy sources when needed. We are developing solutions where saved energy can be reused or deployed when demand is highest, helping our customers optimise their total energy consumption. Energy and the environment have always been our top priorities.

“It’s an exciting time, where the industry is opening up to rethink both spray booths and materials. It requires staying open-minded, curious and actively involved in shaping the next generation of solutions.”

Automässan gathers the entire industry under one roof. What does that mean for you?

“A chance to meet colleagues, build new connections and discuss developments outside our own company walls.”

What can visitors expect to see or experience at your stand?

“We have updated a product we first presented 10 years ago – Pivab weld/1 day repair – which was ahead of its time. Now we’re launching an improved version and, together with our global partner Car-O-Liner, we’re presenting a shared concept where you can straighten, repair body damage, prepare and paint several steps without moving the car. Together we’re showcasing a complete, modern workstation solution.

“Energy isn’t just about renewable sources – it’s about all resources throughout the process. A combined workstation helps streamline these resources by reducing unnecessary movement, improving ergonomics and optimising workflows. It saves energy for the operator, the process and the environment.”

Great to have PIVAB at Automässan – see you in January!

About automässan

Automässan is the Nordic region’s largest meeting place for the automotive service and aftermarket sector. 14–17 January 2026 at the Swedish Exhibition & Congress Centre in Gothenburg. Automässan is only open to professionals. Register now for your free entry ticket »