PHILADELPHIA – Recon Automotive Remanufacturers recently hosted a group of engine rebuilders from Germany. The group was on a study tour of the U.S. engine remanufacturing industry.

Sponsored by Mahle of Germany, Mahle’s distributor Hans Hess Autoteile and the Automotive Engine Rebuilders Association (AERA), the tour was designed to communicate some of the unique features of the engine rebuilding industry in the U.S.

"We were delighted to host the engine rebuilders from Germany," said Recon CEO Vincent Mancini. "Recon has been at the forefront of production engine remanufacturing for the past 30 years, and we are eager to offer what we have learned to other members of our industry."

Bill Sterback, Recon’s vice president of manufacturing conducted a plant tour as part of Recon’s information-sharing. AERA President John Goodman flew to Philadelphia for a special presentation for the Recon guests.

The visitors were particularly interested in the effect of computer controls on the engine rebuilding industry; the industry’s relationship with vehicle manufacturers; automotive machining and measuring processes; marketing of remanufactured engines in the U.S; and technical information databases.

"As one of the largest engine remanufacturers in the U.S., Recon was a natural choice for a stop on the tour," said Ray Falkenrath, sales manager, Mahle Aftermarket for U.S. and Canada. "We deeply appreciate the willingness of the Mancini family and the management staff of Recon to share their expertise with our guests."

The Engine Rebuilders group included: Thomas Berger, Motoren AG; Dr. Carsten Buecker, president, BU Holding, VP, VMI; Joachim Meyer, Meyer Motoren; Marc Adam, Volker Beetz, Gernot-Gustv Stolz, chairman VMI; Volker-Hans Munster, Schmitz + Krieger Motorentechnik.

The tour, which took place Nov. 18 – Nov. 22, 2006, also included stops at two reman locations in New York and one in New Jersey.

For more information about Recon Automotive, visit: http://www.reconengines.com.