On a recent trip to the Detroit Diesel Remanufacturing LLC (Detroit Reman) facility in Hibbing, Minn., Fleet Equipment had a chance to see first-hand how engine electronic computer units (ECUs) are remanufactured. Unlike other vehicle component remanufacturing facilities such as those that remanufacture engine blocks, axles and transmissions, etc., this electronic reman facility was smaller, quieter, extremely clean—and free of dust and anything that might cause an electrical interference.

Highly-skilled workers disassemble and reassemble ECU circuit boards and other parts with precision and accuracy. In the cases where the ECUs are from legacy equipment, they are redesigned

—sometimes using reverse engineering—and upgraded to current specs, which actually makes them better than the originals.

Detroit Genuine Parts products include electronics, engines, turbochargers, fuel injectors, cylinder heads, water and oil pumps, diesel particular filters, axles, transmissions and more. According to the company, more than recycling, the remanufacturing process recovers the value in existing manufactured goods to restore them to original or better condition. In addition, remanufacturing dramatically lowers the total cost of ownership by giving manufactured assets a second life and creating a sustainable business model.