In the event occurring from June 18-20 in The Netherlands, ReMaTecTheatre has been noted as a focal point for the ReMaTec 2017 experience, featuring an open audience seating area where live presentations take place. All visitors are welcome, and this is the stage where reman industry specialists share their technical knowledge and expert views on market developments in interactive workshops.
In addition, the organizers added that thought leaders and industry experts will gather to discuss trends in the political, business and economic landscape and consider what they mean for the remanufacturing industry. The cross-sector discussions will be some of the most revealing sessions of ReMaTec 2017, looking in particular at common goals and challenges.
Cross-sector talks
The first of these roundtables will take place on Sunday, June 18, after the Remanufacturer of the Year 2017 ceremony. It will examine how European remanufacturing can best be supported. Chaired by David Fitzsimons, director of the European Remanufacturing Council, the panel puts Jens Teichelmann, director global asset recovery services at IBM; Dan Vukelich, president of the Association of Medical Devices Reprocessors; and Derk-Jan van Heerden, president of the Aircraft Fleet Recyclers Association together. The goal is to see what the thoughts are from these representatives of the IT, aviation, and healthcare industries about the circular economy in general and remanufacturing.
Marine dilemma
ReMaTec also is giving the marine industry a platform on which to talk about the challenges of European Stage V policy, looking at the technical and economic feasibility of these engines. The inland shipping industry faces a dilemma: whether to invest in a new Stage V engine or to upgrade by remanufacturing. Theresia Hacksteiner, the secretary general of the European Barge Union, and Khalid Tachi, director of Expertise Centre Inland Barging, will be discussing that with Jan Willem Vroege of Wärtsilä.
Rise of M&A
The ReMaTec Theatre also will be highlighting some of the key trends, including the growth in mergers and acquisitions. Schouw & Co’s acquisition of industry heavyweight Borg Automotive this year is only the most recent in a list going back 10 years to the Caterpillar’s deal to takeover Eurenov. Although there has been a lot of consolidation involving reman companies over the past decade, the organizers say it is open to question whether M&A is critical for success and sustainable growth in today’s reman landscape. One thing is for sure, according to the event organizers: there will be lessons learned from the various transactions over the last decade or so, including crucial issues such as how you deal with private equity companies.
Electrics and hybrids
Another major movement is towards the increasing amount of electronics in cars – and the rise of hybrid and electric vehicles – which means that automotive remanufacturers are facing the need to learn new skills, or perhaps even move into new areas altogether. Craig Van Batenburg of training company ACDC will lay out some new technologies – and fresh opportunities.
