The World Remanufacturing Conference (WRC) returns to Rochester, New York, on October 12, 2022.
Over the course of two days, attendees will hear from industry practitioners, tech innovators, policy experts, and scientific researchers to discover the best opportunities for driving sustainability through remanufacturing. The event will include thought-provoking keynotes, informative panel discussions, interactive sessions, networking, and an educational workshop.
Remanufacturing—a century-old industrial system for restoring used or worn products to a like-new or better condition—is attracting fresh attention from manufacturers and policymakers alike. They are drawn to its potential as a technical and economic enabler of circular economy, an alternative to today’s linear, take-make-waste industrial system where materials and energy are kept in use for as long as possible and waste is nearly eliminated.
From the co-chairs
“Remanufacturing is a circular economy strategy with immense potential for the manufacturing sector. This year’s conference will see some of the brightest minds working in reman and sustainability explore what that means when it comes to technological innovation, trade policy, and practical implementation.”
– Nabil Nasr, Conference Co-Chair and Associate Provost and Director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
“This premier event brings remanufacturing industry leaders together every year to learn, grow, and prepare for a fast-changing world that presents as many opportunities as challenges. We’re at an opportune moment for remanufacturing today as companies across the globe search for practical, profitable ways to put circular economy to work.”
– Jeff Stukenborg, Conference Co-Chair, Head of Global Reman Engineering, ZF Group, and Board Chair of the Remanufacturing Industries Council (RIC)
Event details
- When:
- October 12–13, 2022
- Optional pre-conference short course: October 11, 2022
- Where:
- DoubleTree by Hilton and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- Rochester, New York 14623
What to expect
Presenters, panelists, and workshop leaders at WRC 2022 will tie together the most important trends and topics that are shaping—and reshaping—how remanufacturing is done and the role it has to play as part of a sustainable industrial system.
Attendees will hear how leading experts are tackling some of the biggest questions facing remanufacturing today:
- How can remanufacturing support corporate sustainability efforts?
- What impact is today’s changing geopolitical climate having on remanufacturing globally?
- Can remanufacturing make the electric vehicle industry more efficient and sustainable?
- How could remanufacturing become a model for workplace diversity and inclusion?
- What is circular economy and how do we measure if it is working?
- What new technologies are needed to realize circular economy?
- How could remanufacturing become an essential part of tomorrow’s factory?
- Does the current economic outlook create an opportunity for remanufacturers?
- Can circular economy strengthen supply chain resiliency?
Agenda at a glance
Keynotes
“Driving Sustainability through Multiple Lifecycles”
Edwards will breakdown how Caterpillar has made—and continues to make—remanufacturing a pillar of both its business-efficiency and sustainability strategy.
- Brian Edwards, Senior Vice President of Cat® Reman
“Day 2 Opening Keynote”
- Verena Radulovic
“Future Factories”
Dr. Biller will explore how remanufacturing can work in tandem with artificial intelligence (AI), the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and other new technologies to power the factory of tomorrow.
- Dr. Stephan Biller, CEO and president, Advanced Manufacturing International, Inc. (AMI)
Panel Discussions
“Sustainability Executive Conversation”
A panel of senior sustainability professionals will share insights on the role remanufacturing has to play when it comes to green products, carbon disclosure and risk, and circular economy.
- Scott Tew, Trane Technologies plc
- Matt Kupcak, BorgWarner Inc.
- Kelvin Sanborn, GE HealthCare
- Kara Fulcher, Michelin North America, Inc.
“Geopolitics, Trade, and Policy: Reman Perspectives on Changing Landscapes”
Professionals from different reman sectors discuss how recent global events are impacting market access for remanufacturers and what companies should do in response.
- Ann-Marie Padgett, Caterpillar Inc.
- Jena Holtberg-Benge, Deere & Co.
- Bill Davies, Davies Office
- Mike Schmit, GE HealthCare
“Remanufacturing the Electric Vehicle (EV)”
Panelists will discuss the EV components that are best-suited for remanufacture, as well as the anticipated policy, market, technical and logistical opportunities and barriers that lie ahead.
- Jenny Preston, Deere & Co.
- Eric Lundgren, BigBattery Inc.
- Chris Biederman, Li-Cycle Holdings
- Dirk Spiers, Spiers New Technologies Inc.
“Circular Approaches to Supply Chain Challenges”
Industry strategists weigh in on how remanufacturing, as a lever of circular economy, can be used to overcome current supply-chain challenges and achieve greater resiliency.
- Casey Blevins, PEARL
- Joe Kripli, APRA
- Bob German, Flight Systems Automotive
Interactive discussions, educational sessions, and expert outlooks—topics at a glance
- circular economy logistics, analysis, and technologies
- the changing geopolitical landscape
- workplace diversity and inclusion
- new and future applications of remanufacturing
- environmental impact assessment of remanufactured goods
Who should attend
The event is designed in a way that allows participants to choose tracks that cover issues and topics that matter most to them. Seasoned remanufacturers are able to deepen their industry knowledge while professionals who are new to the field can learn core remanufacturing concepts and fundamentals.
Pricing
- $895: two-day conference pass only
- $479: pre-conference short course
- $90: pre-conference networking dinner
- $1,245: all-access pass (includes all above)
Accommodation
The conference will be hosted by DoubleTree by Hilton in Rochester, New York. A special room rate of $129 will be available to attendees.