re: Why do collision centers take so long for repairs?

You could have a few different scenarios. If the shop wasn't a DRP (direct provider) for the shop, an insurance adjuster has to come and write the estimate. This could take a while.
Not sure what type of car it is, but sometimes there are small parts of sheet metal that have to be ordered that dealers typically don't stock. Figure a week on parts.
More than likely, the insurance company wrote for used or aftermarket parts, which are a high damage probability. So, they may have had to send back and have more sent.

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The long delays experienced with collision repairs and virtually ANYTHING related to replacement parts...is due the industry "improvement" of "just in time shipping/distribution", dating back over 20 years ago. I.E., in order to "reduce costs" {just who's costs were actually REDUCED...is open to debate}...whereas replacement parts are no longer housed on site, nor in local distribution sites,nor in regional distribution sites...but ONLY in national and sometimes OVERSEAS distribution sites

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GM has Regional Parts Depot Centers (PDC) for distribution.

Charlotte NC
Jacksonville Fl
Jackson, MS
Cincinnati, OH
Texas, Colorado, Nevada, Michigan, Philadelphia, and so on and so on.

We order parts and usually get the next morning. Interior trim and structural pieces being the exception. Those items take up to 4 business days.

But basic sheet metal items such as hoods, fenders, doors, besides we get next day.

I'm sure it's different and takes longer for imports due to lack of sufficient PDCs being located regionally.

They normally don't find a new shop

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Collision center doesnt order parts until you drop off the car

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Not always true. I had about the same damage the OP described. I bought it in for an estimate and he told me if you give me a few days notice I'll have what I need in for he repairs and I can get it out in a week. I gave him a heads up dropped it off on a Sunday Evening, picked it up on the next Friday. Never met the dude in my life and didn't leave a deposit, I thought it was odd. hHe could get burned pretty easily on that unless his supplier takes back parts that he doesn't use.