The Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Group Summit ’09 in Orlando, Florida on February 16 will feature an outlook for the reman business by Bruce Plaxton, veteran industry observer and analyst. Bruce is President of BGP Marketing Solutions in Schaumburg, IL, a consulting practice with a focus on mobile capital goods. Plaxton has been an advisor to many of the OEMs, suppliers and aftermarket companies in the industry.
He will focus on the green aspects of the remanufacturing business and how it may be incorporated in to the market planning of remanufacturers. The title of his presentation will be, “Opportunities, Challenges and the GREEN Outlook for the Heavy Duty Remanufacturer.” There are two shades of “green” according to Plaxton. Justifying a reman business can be aided by the environmental concerns but must also face the ultimate justification of dollars and cents, the other shade of “green.”
Plaxton’s keynote address will illustrate some industry trends and concerns and provide a look at where we are heading. BGP’s market numbers have proven to be the industry’s most accurate over time. HDRG has also arranged for Alan C. Lesesky, President of Vehicle Enhancement Systems in Rock Hill, South Carolina, to provide a presentation on “Future Energy Products, Technologies and Systems.” Mr. Lesesky has many patents that apply to the electronic controls on hybrids and ABS braking systems. He has done ground breaking work on multiplexing data buss systems for vehicles.
Michael Rayne of Delphi Diesel Systems, Ltd. in the United Kingdom will discuss “Diesel Fuel Injection Service and Remanufacturing.” Mike Conlon, APRA Legal Counsel, will discuss the latest in regulations and how they will affect the bottom line of remanufacturers in the new administration. The prestigious “Remanufacturer of the Year” will be awarded at the Summit luncheon on February 16.
A panel discussion on “Successful Strategies for the Future” for heavy duty engine and drivetrain remanufacturers as well as small parts remanufacturers and parts suppliers will feature three leading heavy duty diesel engine rebuilders.
David Bianchi, VP Sales of B & G Machine in Seattle, Washington; Steve Gettlefinger, President of Republic Diesel, Louisville, Kentucky; and, Steve Hendrick, President of Diesel Exchange, Springfield, Missouri, will sit on this panel and discuss the future direction of the heavy duty engine rebuild business and the strategies they are employing to be successful.
The engine reman business has only slightly been involved in prior Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week programs and through the HDRG this important segment of the industry is now being offered a home for their networking and exchange of information.
The Board of HDRG welcomes this important engine group to our conference and looks forward to working with them regarding their needs. The engine parts manufacturers have played a key role in bringing about the inclusion of the engine remanufacturers as a vital part of HDRG. The HDRG is also welcoming industry trainer and diagnostics expert Mike Kohler to a spot on the program. He will speak on the “Logic of Engine Electronics.” Kohler has been a trainer for CAT and has custom courses tailored for specific clients needs.
Kohler will relate the electronic controls and the need for proper diagnostics to ensure the proper operation of the engine and drivetrain systems, including hydraulics and hydrostatic drive systems. Kohler Consulting also is an expert machine set-up consultant for heavy duty machinery utilized in the rebuilding processes.
The “Heavy Duty Remanufacturer of the Year” Awards Luncheon will be held at noon for attendees at the Summit. Last year’s winner, Mike Hill of Precision Rebuilders, Inc. in St. Clair, Missouri, will present the award to the 2009 Heavy Duty Remanufacturer of the Year. For more information about the HDRG Summit program, visit www.hdrg.org.
