Remanufacturing is increasingly seen as the best future solution when it comes to the supply of certain parts and braking and transmission expert Shaftec is leading the way in its field. Remanufacturing means efficient use of existing materials and resources, while delivering top quality components which perform to the same standard as new and are often the only way to keep older vehicles on the road. 

With over 40 years-experience, Shaftec is well qualified to fly the flag. With more and more vehicles with EPS falling out of warranty and into the aftermarket, Shaftec predicts a continued rise in both in application levels and in demand over the next few years. To cater for this, the company is continuously developing its new to range offer and investing in R&D.  

“Remanufacturing is a process which results in components that are as good as new, tested as new and perform in that way for the lifetime of the part,” explains Joe Toakley, Shaftec’s marketing manager. Ha adds, “There is no doubt about the future of remanufacturing; it’s here to stay and our aim is to continually invest in all areas of the business to ensure we remain in a market leading position. With the time, research, and investment we have put into electric steering, we are confident that the Shaftec brand name will increasingly become synonymous with this product area.” 

Remanufacturing is an excellent compromise in terms of the environment by reducing emissions, energy use and reusing existing materials. In terms of cost and value for money, it’s a better deal all round. Figures estimate that on average, remanufactured parts costs in the region of 25 to 45% of the cost of a new one. Remanufactured parts generally carry the same warranties as OEM parts and VMs are becoming increasingly aware of the opportunities provided by remanufacturing to extend service life agreements and provide cost-effective solutions for older vehicles.

“Although it’s definitely the way forward, remanufacturing can be challenging,” Joe continued. “Obtaining core in a fit state to remanufacture can be difficult. When working with safety critical parts which need to be disassembled, reprocessed, rebuilt and tested, damaged core just isn’t suitable. So we invest heavily in the quality of the return and the source of collection.” 

Prediction is a big part of the job of a remanufacturer and forecasting reverse material flow can be problematic. Because inventory is often only replenished when supply of that particular part runs out, there’s an inherent uncertainty in delivery lead times; meaning it’s difficult to use standardised approaches for used materials and parts inventory replenishment. 

“To compensate for this, and to be as prepared as it is possible to be, on site at Shaftec we hold 50,000 caliper core units awaiting remanufacturing and actively source rare and required core to keep our availability high. In addition, to avoid any availability issues we carry stock to the value of £5 million at any one time.” 

Although the Shaftec brand name wasn’t born until 1995, the company actually began life in 1979 as a small remanufacturing unit this means it has extensive experience in non standard processes and has great flexibility. Today it remanufactures driveshafts, calipers, steering racks & pumps at its purpose built 50,000 sq foot production facility in the heart of the Midlands. With an excellent team and support network in logistics and supply partners, it is well placed to offer distributors a great service that will enable them to grow their sales and business alongsideShaftec.”  

Shaftec remanufactured components are available from stockist nationwide.