Remanufacturing History

WWII Efforts: Rebuilding and repair efforts began at organized levels during World War II as a response to shortages and rations. With new cars unavailable and parts to fix older ones scarce, remanufacturing was born out of necessity.

Post-War Expansion: The post-war boom and the creation of the interstate highway system increased the number of cars and miles traveled. Service stations and repair shops flourished, advertising "re-builds" of engines, transmissions, and other components.

OEM Recognition: Manufacturers realized that rebuilding was a critical industry need for automotive, truck, tractor, and other equipment markets. OEMs began investing in remanufacturing facilities to support dealers and equipment owners.

International Harvester's Springfield ReNew Center: This facility was opened to meet the repair demands of International Harvester dealers across the U.S.

Industrialized Engine Rebuilders (PERs): By this time, production engine rebuilders were established nationwide, defined by building 75 or more engines per day. At their peak, there were over 125 PERs; today, only a handful remain.

Public Relations and Advocacy: Companies like Caterpillar championed remanufacturing, highlighting its benefits, such as "lower cost of ownership." Articles on remanufacturing began appearing in major publications like The Wall Street Journal, targeting fleet owners and large buyers.

Aftermarket Growth: This period saw rapid growth in aftermarket parts suppliers and distributors, including the rise of box stores like O'Reilly Auto Parts, AutoZone, and Discount Auto, many of which offered remanufactured parts.

• Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act: U.S. agencies prioritized remanufactured parts, underscoring their reliability.
• Circular Economy & G7 Focus: Global initiatives recognizes remanufacturing as key to sustainability.

Unified Definitions: Organizations such as MERA, CLEPA and APRA agreed on common standards, enhancing trust in remanufactured products.