The Heavy Duty Remanufacturing Group Summit '09 in Orlando, Fla., Feb. 16, will feature an outlook for the reman business by Bruce Plaxton, president of BGP Marketing Solutions in Schaumburg, Ill.


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." Plaxton's keynote address will illustrate some industry trends and concerns and provide a look at where we are heading.

HDRG has also arranged for Alan C. Lesesky, president of Vehicle Enhancement Systems in Rock Hill, S.C., to provide a presentation on "Future Energy Products, Technologies and Systems." Lesesky has many patents that apply to the electronic controls on hybrids and ABS braking systems. He has done groundbreaking work on multiplexing databus systems for vehicles.

Michael Rayne of Delphi Diesel Systems 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 "Remanufacturer of the Year" will be awarded during the luncheon.

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, vice president of sales of B&G Machine in Seattle; Steve Gettlefinger, president of Republic Diesel, Louisville, Ky.; and, Steve Hendrick, president of Diesel Exchange, Springfield, Mo., 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 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. Mike 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.

The engine reman business has only slightly been involved in prior Heavy Duty Aftermarket Week programs; through the HDRG this important segment of the industry is now being offered a home for networking and exchange of information.

More info: www.apra.org