BATESVILLE - Enneking Auto Body of Batesville is going green. Green as in environmentally green, that is.

Joseph Enneking, owner of Enneking Auto Body in Batesville and Enneking Auto Center in Greensburg, recently announced that his Batesville auto body shop has made the switch from solvent based paints to waterborne based paint.

"We didn’t have to make this switch. We chose to," Enneking said. "Unlike California and Canada, Indiana’s air quality regulations do not make it necessary for body shops to convert to waterborne coatings. We believe this is not only good for the overall environment, but it is a good business decision for our professional paint technicians as we create a healthier work environment and one that will benefit our customers."

As a result of the decision, Enneking Auto Body of Batesville now utilizes the PPG paint systems. PPG has been serving the needs of automotive, industrial and architectural finishes for more than eight decades, dating back to 1928. PPG’s ongoing commitment to research and development, and global color matching network makes them a leader across the world.

The decision to switch to waterborne paint will help Enneking Auto Body to optimize cycle time and maximize quality. Enneking said his auto body repair shop located at the Enneking Auto Center, 1667 N. Michigan Ave., Greensburg, should make the switch to waterborne paint after the initial implementation phase in Batesville.

"Waterborne basecoats will reduce the emission of Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) into the atmosphere." Enneking said. "When released into the atmosphere, VOC creates ozone and smog. Our new paint products will reduce VOC emissions by up to 80 percent.

"This paint is better for the ecology, it gives excellent color matches and it makes it faster for us to complete a repair," Enneking continued. "Our staff is excited about this transition and we are happy to be doing our part by leading the efforts to contribute to a greener environment."

Enneking Auto Body has been in business since 1954 when Joe’s father Stan opened his first shop in Oldenburg. Today, Joe Enneking operates his shop at 4909 E. SR 46 in Batesville. The shop is managed by Chris Fledderman. The phone number is 812-934-3358.

Enneking opened his Greensburg auto body shop in 2002 and in 2009, relocated to its present facility at 1667 N. Michigan Ave. The Greensburg location is managed by Brad Wolters. The phone number is 812-663-3015.

Both Enneking Auto Body shops utilize the AutoWatch system so customers can have 24/7 access to viewing the progress of their repair work through the World Wide Web. Customers are given a repair number and can access photos and messages regarding their vehicle by visiting www.ennekingautobody.com and then clicking on either the Batesville or Greensburg location.

Enneking Auto Body also sells pre-owned vehicles at wholesale prices to the public. A list of current inventory may be found at the body shop website, www.ennekingautobody.com.