When a critical piece of automation equipment fails, the clock starts ticking, and so do the questions. How fast can you get back up and running? How much is this going to cost? And maybe most importantly: should you go with a remanufactured part to save money, or is that too risky?
At HESCO, we hear this concern often. Many of our customers ask, “Can I trust a remanufactured Rockwell part?” usually with a fair bit of hesitation in their voice. And we get it. “Remanufactured” doesn’t always inspire confidence, especially when your line’s on the line.
But here’s the truth: Rockwell Automation’s remanufactured products aren’t just a budget option; they’re often the smartest, fastest, and most reliable way to get back to full speed without compromising quality. Let’s walk through the facts so you can make an informed decision.
Not all remanufactured products are created equal. That’s why it’s important to understand what “remanufactured” means specifically when it comes to Rockwell Automation parts.
These aren’t parts pulled off a shelf, wiped down, and passed off as functional. Rockwell’s remanufacturing process is rigorous. Every component is completely disassembled, inspected, cleaned, and rebuilt. Any parts that show wear, even if they haven’t failed, are replaced. Then, the rebuilt unit is tested against the exact same standards as a brand-new product.
In fact, every remanufactured part goes through final quality assurance testing. By contrast, only a sampling of brand-new parts go through that same level of post-production scrutiny.
That means what you’re getting isn’t just a “used” part. It’s one that’s been hand-inspected, stress-tested, and certified to meet (or exceed) original performance specs.
This is where the word “risk” comes up most often. If a brand-new part is available, wouldn’t that be safer?
In practice, not necessarily. Because Rockwell’s remanufacturing process includes replacing not just the failed component but any parts showing signs of wear, you often end up with a more reliable product than something straight off the line. There’s no guessing. No mystery history. It’s been thoroughly rebuilt, and the performance is verified.
And it’s not just a “good enough” backup. Rockwell stands behind these parts. With a 24-month warranty on most remanufactured products (for priority service), the coverage often outlasts what’s offered on a standard new part.
Now let’s talk about a real-world advantage that customers don’t always expect: speed.
Suppose you choose Rockwell’s Priority remanufacturing option. In that case, you’re not sending in your part to be fixed but exchanging it for a remanufactured version that’s already been rebuilt and is ready to ship. In many cases, you can have it on your dock the next day.
That makes remanufactured parts a game-changer when lead times for new equipment are weeks or even months. And with the global supply chain still catching up in some product categories, this isn’t just a theoretical advantage. It’s a real strategy to reduce downtime.
Of course, Priority service comes at a higher price point. If you have time to spare, Economy service offers an even more cost-effective route: send in your part, Rockwell rebuilds it, and you get it back in about four weeks. It’s ideal for non-emergency repairs or preventive maintenance cycles.
That’s an outdated mindset, but one we understand. In consumer electronics or automotive parts, “remanufactured” often signals lower-tier quality. That’s not the case here.
What sets Rockwell apart is that the remanufacturing process is done in-house, by the same people who built the product to begin with. This isn’t a third-party vendor using off-brand replacement parts. It’s a full teardown and rebuild using Rockwell’s own standards and components.
You don’t sacrifice quality, and you make a different kind of investment, one that often gives you more control over cost, timing, and long-term support.
Still hesitant? You’re not alone. That’s why we always walk our customers through the pros and cons. If a remanufactured option isn’t right for your situation, we’ll tell you. Our job isn’t to push a specific product; it’s to help you find the right solution.
We typically recommend remanufactured Rockwell products in a few key scenarios:
If uptime is everything and every hour of downtime means lost revenue, priority remanufacturing can be a lifeline. We’ve worked with manufacturers who avoided days of lost production simply because a remanufactured part was available overnight, while new stock had a lead time of six weeks or more.
Budget constraints are another major driver. For facilities trying to extend the life of older equipment without a full system upgrade, reman is often the only way to stay within budget while maintaining OEM-grade reliability. The cost savings can then be redirected toward other improvement projects, like upgrading drives or investing in operator training.
Remanufacturing also makes sense in facilities with lean spare parts strategies. Instead of stocking multiples of every component, some customers choose to remanufacture failed items on rotation, building a smart, sustainable parts lifecycle that keeps inventory tight but responsive.
And finally, we see reman being used proactively during planned maintenance windows. Instead of waiting for something to fail, customers will send in working but aging equipment to be rebuilt, ensuring like-new reliability without the downtime of emergency repairs.
There are still times when buying new is the right call. For example:
Even then, it’s worth asking whether a remanufactured version might meet your needs, especially if budget or timing is tight.
Remanufactured Rockwell parts aren’t just for those looking to cut corners; they’re for those looking to make smarter choices.
Every day, we help customers evaluate the trade-offs. Sometimes the best option is a brand-new part. Other times, remanufacturing checks every box: cost, availability, sustainability, and long-term value. Our role is to ask the right questions, give you transparent answers, and make sure you’re choosing the solution that works best for your operation, not just today, but six months or a year from now.
If you’re navigating a breakdown, planning your next maintenance cycle, or simply trying to get the most out of your equipment, don’t overlook remanufactured options. You might just find they’re not a step down; they’re a step ahead.
Have any questions? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us for more information about Rockwell’s remanufactured options. We’d be happy to help you make the best decisions for your facility and budget.