Reman facility
Extend equipment life at a reduced cost
Komatsu and SRC of Lexington Inc. work together to provide high-quality remanufactured parts
SRC of Lexington Inc. works closely with Komatsu and its dealership network to provide high-quality remanufactured parts that help extend equipment life. The approximately 100,000-square-foot facility in Lexington, Ky., specializes in remanufacturing heavy equipment components for the mining and construction sectors.
Adam Trebolo, Director of Sales and Marketing at SRC of Lexington, detailed the comprehensive processes and technologies that define the facility’s operations.
“Typically, we remanufacture components like engines, transmissions, hydraulic pumps and motors,” Trebolo explained. “We take old, worn-out parts and completely disassemble them. Parts that can be reused are machined back to the original specifications, and new original equipment manufacturer parts are used for those that can’t be salvaged.”
There are many benefits of remanufacturing, including cost savings and promoted sustainability.
“Remanufacturing reduces the total cost of ownership significantly,” Trebolo emphasized. “Replacing an old engine with a remanufactured one is much cheaper than buying a new machine, and it ensures the equipment is ready for another long service life. Remanufacturing also uses significantly less energy than producing new components. We reuse most of the iron, and we recycle what we can’t use, so it’s a more environmentally friendly option.”
The facility’s operations are meticulously organized to ensure quality and efficiency.
“When we receive a core, it’s first inspected and identified,” said Trebolo. “The disassembly process is kept separate from the assembly to maintain cleanliness, and every part undergoes thorough inspection and machining to meet original equipment specifications.”
A cornerstone of SRC of Lexington’s success is its pivotal relationship with Komatsu, which has existed since the facility’s inception.
“This factory used to be a Komatsu plant until the financial crisis in 2009,” Trebolo recounted. “We persuaded SRC to buy the operation, and since then, we’ve been a separate company but still closely aligned with Komatsu. They are our largest customer, but since then, we’ve taken on business from other OEMs, as well as some work directly with mines on other products.”
Investing in technology
SRC of Lexington’s cutting-edge technology contributes significantly to the plant’s capabilities.
“We use advanced techniques like metal buildup for worn surfaces and high-end machining to ensure parts are restored to their original dimensions,” elaborated Trebolo. “Our coordinate measuring machine and 3D printers aid in precision and efficiency.”
Trebolo added, “One thing that really makes us unique is we have our own electronic work instruction system software, Task Forge, which ensures every step in the remanufacturing process is followed meticulously. We’ve developed detailed photo instructions that guide technicians step by step. With over 100,000 steps in our system, we can ensure consistency and quality across all processes.”
The facility’s focus on lean manufacturing and continuous improvement is evident in its collaboration with the University of Kentucky and Toyota.
“We work on eliminating waste and improving efficiency,” stated Trebolo. “For example, we’ve synchronized the assembly process for similar hydraulic pumps, reducing labor and increasing competitiveness in the market.”
Safety, dedicated employees
At SRC of Lexington, safety is paramount.
“We’re really proud of our safety record here,” Trebolo declared. “We’ve gone over 1,600 days without a lost-time accident, and we prioritize safety to ensure everyone goes home the same way they came in.”
Employee ownership is another unique aspect that drives commitment and quality.
“As an employee-owned company, everyone here has a stake in our success,” said Trebolo. “This ownership mentality ensures that our employees are dedicated to producing the highest-quality products.”
With a focus on quality, efficiency and sustainability, SRC of Lexington continues to be a leader in remanufacturing capabilities. Its partnership with Komatsu and investment in advanced technology ensure that it remains at the forefront, delivering high-quality, cost-effective solutions to its customers.
To learn more about remanufactured parts visit https://www.komatsu.com/en/parts-and-attachments/remanufactured-components/.
