The 2025 RIC-RIT World Remanufacturing Conference brought together leaders, innovators, and professionals from across the globe to Detroit for three days of learning, networking, and collaboration. From pre-conference tours to insightful keynotes and hands-on workshops, this year’s program highlighted the growing impact of remanufacturing on sustainability, innovation, and the global economy.
Pre-Conference Highlights
Before the conference officially began, attendees had the chance to connect through optional events.
- A tour of the Ford Rouge Factory showcased the production of the F-150 Lightning electric truck, Ford’s impressive 10.4-acre living roof, and sustainable practices like renewable energy and advanced water treatment.
- That evening, the community gathered for a networking dinner at Yard House in Troy — a relaxed kickoff filled with conversation and new connections.
Day 1: Setting the Stage
The conference officially opened with welcomes from Jeff Sutherland, RIC Board Chair, and Nabil Nasr, Associate Provost and Director of GIS at RIT, followed by remarks from Mayor Ethan Baker of Troy, Michigan.
- Keynote – Melissa Flaherty (GM) shared how EV battery sustainability and aftersales strategy are critical for the future of electric mobility.
- Panel – Around the World in Reman featured global perspectives from experts in Italy, Singapore, Japan, and the U.S., exploring policy, supply chains, and workforce development.
- Breakouts included:
- Business Track: Global trade barriers and the potential of Digital Product Passports.
- Technical Track: The future of clean, with innovations in reman cleaning technologies.
- Keynote – Patricia Covington (Cummins ReCon) inspired attendees with her leadership journey and insights on global remanufacturing.
- Afternoon Breakouts:
- Technical Track: Forging the Future – exploring the synergy between additive manufacturing and high-speed laser cladding for next-gen remanufacturing.
- Business Track: Beyond Gut Instinct – introducing a practical financial framework for sustainable business growth.
- Keynote – Ellen Hughes-Cromwick (Third Way) shared her expertise in economic strategy, clean energy, and supply chain resilience. Her keynote, “From Disruption to Opportunity,” highlighted how sustainable product design and total cost of ownership optimization can drive both competitiveness and circular innovation.
- Panel – Navigating Economic Uncertainty tackled inflation, supply chain instability, and resilience strategies with perspectives from RIC and financial experts.
The day closed with the presentation of the 2025 RIC Distinguished Service Award to Jeff Stukenborg (ZF Group), honoring his leadership and tireless advocacy for remanufacturing.
Day 2: Strategy, Sustainability, and Collaboration
Day 2 began with RIC unveiling its new Strategic Plan, outlining bold priorities to advance the industry and strengthen cross-sector collaboration.
- Keynote – Dhana Kad (ZF Group) explored “From Disruption to Opportunity: How Sustainable Products and TCO Optimization Drive Resilience,” making the case that sustainability is no longer a cost but a strategic enabler.
- Panel – Navigating Common Challenges in Remanufacturing brought together leaders from the Remanufacturing Association Alliance to discuss workforce development, regulation, supply chains, and awareness.
Morning breakouts:
- Technical Track: Advanced inspection technologies for reman integrity.
- Business Track: Showcasing remanufacturing in sustainability reports and aligning KPIs.
Afternoon sessions included:
- Denise Green (Group CBS), who gave an eye-opening presentation on the electrical remanufacturing industry, broadening perspectives on this essential sector.
- Panel – Standards that Drive Circular Success, featuring experts from SRC Reman, GE Healthcare, and Cummins, examined how ISO and ANSI standards are driving innovation, global trade, and long-term sustainability.
- The day closed with the REMADE Workshop: Design for Remanufacturing, where attendees gained hands-on experience using the PhoenixDFR™ platform to apply circular design strategies.
Day 3: Facility Tours
The final day offered attendees the opportunity to see remanufacturing at work across Michigan:
- Group 1 toured Integrated Power Services, with its 72,000 sq. ft. facility, 30-ton cranes, and advanced testing up to 13,000 volts, as well as Shrader Tire & Oil, where Michelin Retread Plants showcased a precise 9-step process for extending tire life with lower environmental impact.
- Group 2 visited PHINIA’s 44,000 sq. ft. Troy site, where 150 employees remanufacture injectors and actuators, and Ecoclean in Southfield, a leader in industrial cleaning systems using ultrasonic cleaning, vacuum vapor degreasing, and aqueous-based systems to achieve the highest standards.
A Look Ahead
From policy insights and global perspectives to hands-on design tools and facility tours, this year’s conference highlighted the diversity and strength of the remanufacturing community.
RIC extends a heartfelt thank you to our speakers, panelists, sponsors, and attendees who made the 2025 RIC-RIT World Remanufacturing Conference a success. Together, we are advancing remanufacturing as a powerful driver of innovation, sustainability, and growth.
We look forward to continuing this momentum — and to seeing you at next year’s event!