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BORG AUTOMOTIVE REMAN

Remanufacturing Explained

Remanufacturing Explained

Remanufacturing, also called ‘reman’, is a branch in the aftermarket industry. A remanufactured product is defined as:

"A remanufactured part fulfils a similar function as the original part. It is restored from an existing part (core) using standardised industrial processes in line with specific technical specifications. A remanufactured part is given the same warranty as a new part, and it clearly identifies the part as a remanufactured part and states the remanufacturer."*

*This is the common definition from APRA (Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association in USA, Europe and Asia), CLEPA (European Association of Automotive Suppliers), FIRM (International Federation of Engine Remanufacturers and Rebuilders, Europe), supported by MERA (Motor and Equipment Remanufacturers Association, USA) and RIC (Remanufacturing Industries Council, USA).

In other words, remanufacturing automotive parts means renovating used parts or components to OE-matching condition.

The remanufacturing industry has existed for approximately 70 years. Prior to the industry, defect units were simply regarded as scrap. Fortunately, much has changed, and at BORG Automotive we are proud to be a major driving force within the European remanufacturing industry.

Aside from the considerable economic and environmental benefits of remanufacturing, we are able to detect the most frequent causes for defects affecting the units we receive for remanufacturing. This allows us to take the necessary precautions and reproduce products that match OE-standards.

A circular process

Remanufacturing is a significant contributor to a circular economy, where as much material as possible is given new life, and as little as possible goes to waste.

To remanufacture automotive parts, used products, namely cores, should be retrieved. The collection of cores is a complex activity. At BORG Automotive Reman, we sell our remanufactured units with a deposit, which is returned to the customers if they send us the unit they are replacing.

The core we are getting in exchange for a remanufactured unit is sent to our core warehouse in Poland, the largest core warehouse in Europe, with more than one million units ready for remanufacturing. At our production sites, the auto parts undergo the remanufacturing process. This process involves complete disassembly, thorough cleaning, an extensive inspection of all parts, reconditioning and replacement, reassembly, and final testing. 

We never compromise on quality, and therefore, all our products are sold with a two-year warranty with unlimited mileage.

Read more about our circular business model here.

We have commissioned Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) to provide concrete figures on the environmental footprint of our remanufactured products and compare it to similar newly manufactured products. Read more here.

1. Disassembly

The Reman Process

Defective units undergo a complete disassembly process and parts that cannot be reconditioned are disposed of.

2. Cleaning

The Reman Process

Following the disassembly of the units into individual parts, they are given a thorough cleaning with several cleaning treatments, such as hot water and sandblasting, ultrasonic cleaning, etc.

3. Inspection & sorting

The Reman Process

Cleaned components are subject to an intensive inspection to determine if they are in a reusable condition. This is done both visually and with test equipment measuring if the tolerances are within acceptable limits.

4. Reconditioning & replacement

The Reman Process

At this stage reusable parts are reconditioned, e.g. through galvanising and grinding of the parts. Parts that in the previous stages have been disposed are replaced with new parts.

5. Reassembly

The Reman Process

The remanufactured units are reassembled.

6. Final testing

The Reman Process

Each remanufactured unit undergoes a 100% performance test to ensure that the unit matches OE standards.

What is the difference between reman and repair?

Repair is the process of bringing damaged components back to a functional condition by repairing the broken or damaged component of the product.

Remanufacturing is the process, of bringing a product back to the same condition as a new product. This means that all components are checked and remanufactured, and any component that cannot be remanufactured is replaced with a new one.

Reman gives a higher level of quality and performance.*

 

*Source: Ilgin, Mehmet Ali and Gupta, Surendra M. (2012), Remanufacturing Modeling and Analysis. CRC Press, Taylor & Francis Group, ed. Boca Raton FL, United States