FEATURE PRESENTATION: The term "Remanufacturing" conjures up different ideas for different people. For many, it's a positive recycling concept, necessary for sustainable and economic solutions to extending the
life of products. This talk will review important ingredients for a successful remanufacturing business, focusing
on a heavy equipment product line. The process must start with designing for remanufacturability: understanding design factors, wear surfaces, disassembly and remanufacturing technologies. The dirty work of cleaning is critically important to enable accurate inspection as well as subsequent processing. Evaluation techniques range from dimensional checks to crack inspection. Bringing a product up to the original technical specifications can be achieved in a variety of ways . As with new products, these processes must be managed with good quality control and possibly in-factory validation checks. The technical community can relate to design and process issues, but there is significant commercial work that must accompany this.
SPEAKER BIO: Jackie Earle has been with Caterpillar Inc. for over 29 years, after receiving her BS degree from
the University of Pittsburgh. She spent most of her early career providing metallurgical support for engine design engineers, making material & process recommendations, leading supplier quality projects and providing powdered metal expertise. Jackie also earned a MS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Bradley University, and progressed through lead engineer positions in after treatment and engine application groups. She began working in the Electric Power Division, managing commercial & technical programs for generator sets and associated equipment. This involved assessing customer needs and competitive products, writing functional specs for
new products, and leading new product introduction programs. Jackie was also Certified as a 6 Sigma Black Belt, and managed product support projects with Joint Venture partners.
Jackie is currently in the Remanufacturing & Components Division of Caterpillar, managing technical support. Her division remanufactures engines, hydraulics, drivetrain and electronic components. Jackie leads efforts to resolve customer problems and improve products, with her team in the US and Caterpillar remanufacturing plants around the world. This work includes creating and conducting training on customer focus, problem resolution and influencing purchase decisions.