To service the growing demand for re-manufactured equipment, Rockwell Automation has taken the opportunity to invest in a state-of-the-art remanufacturing facility during the relocation of its South Pacific headquarters to Bayswater, Victoria.

“Designing the remanufacturing facility and having it custom built to our specifications allowed us to invest in additional capabilities,” says South Pacific customer support and maintenance operations manager Julian Needham.

The new workshop includes dedicated work areas for each product range with technician workstations for PLC/HMI fault diagnosis and remanufacturing. An additional drives test and repair workshop has been added, which coupled with increased floor space and a significantly improved layout, maximises work efficiencies by improved product flow through the centre.

The recently introduced Lifecycle Service Agreement provides customers with three unique services combined: reserved repair, remote support and onsite service for discontinued products. This agreement allows customers to minimise the risk associated with using older or discontinued Rockwell Automation products, effectively allowing companies time to plan their migration to new technologies without affecting productivity.

The reserved repair and parts component of the agreement provides manufacturers a ‘reservation’ that assures access to Rockwell Automation product replacement, remediation or repair for products included in the agreement—even when maintenance resources or spare parts are constrained or unavailable to the general public. Remote support for discontinued products provides customers with unlimited web support for obsolete or discontinued Rockwell Automation products included in the agreement. The onsite service for discontinued products provides annual preventative maintenance services, migration and conversion-planning support on discontinued Rockwell Automation products included in the agreement.

The remanufacturing facility has also recently undergone accreditation so that products coming out of the centre maintain the high standard that Rockwell Automation expects from its global repair facilities, with more of the current platforms being effectively supported locally, including ControlLogix products which had to be returned to the US for repair, with customers experiencing extended lead times for their return.

“We took this opportunity to invest in bespoke Rockwell Automation test equipment allowing us to comprehensively test the ControlLogix product range, which has significantly reduced remanufacturing times. We are able to support our regional customers at the level, we feel, is synonymous with Rockwell Automation,” says Julian.

As remanufacturing technologies continue to develop, there are a growing number of options available to companies and businesses. By investing in new technology and testing platforms, Rockwell Automation South Pacific has attained ISO 9000/14000 certification and provides quality remanufacturing and exchange services to help customers minimise downtime and keep production lines running. With a seven step remanufacturing process, failed units are restored and backed by a 12 month warranty on the unit.

Placing a greater emphasis on customer service and business growth, Needham re-located from the UK headquarters of Rockwell Automation, to join the South Pacific team to develop the design and processes involved in increasing the operational capabilities and deliverables for CSM throughout the South Pacific region.

Combining an experienced team of technicians, with skilled logistics and inventory personnel, the remanufacturing centre has the required measures in place for continued growth.

“We are now entering an exciting chapter in the South Pacific’s remanufacturing history, and I look forward to its continuing success,” says Julian.