MEMA Supports Bipartisan Bill to Prioritize Use of Remanufactured Goods

WASHINGTON, Feb. 12, 2014 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association (MEMA) applauds Reps. Gary Peters (D-Mich.) and James Lankford (R-Okla.) for their support and leadership demonstrated by the introduction of the "Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act of 2014 (H.R. 4056)."

"Remanufacturing is sustainable manufacturing," said John Chalifoux, president and COO of the Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA), a division of MEMA. "With this legislation, our country is well positioned to take full advantage of the quality, value and sustainability benefits associated with remanufactured goods."

The bill encourages civilian federal fleet managers to use remanufactured parts when maintaining the fleet, noting the environmental, economic and product performance benefits associated with their usage.

"For any customer, downtime is not an option, and fleet managers know they can trust remanufactured parts to keep their vehicles on the road," said Jack Vollbrecht, senior vice president, Remy International, and vice chairman of MERA. "In an age of budget austerity and environmental consciousness, it is only appropriate for the U.S. government to prioritize the use of remanufactured parts."

According to a March 2013 Government Accountability Office report, there are approximately 588,000 vehicles in the civilian federal fleet. H.R. 4056 encourages the use of remanufactured parts in maintaining the fleet, thereby realizing the economic cost savings while preserving quality and performance.

"In a 2012 report from the U.S. International Trade Commission, the United States is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of remanufactured goods," said Steve Handschuh, president and CEO, MEMA. "This legislation will help our county to reduce the federal deficit and support the more than 180,000 hard working men and women in the U.S. remanufacturing industry."

ABOUT MEMA

MEMA represents its members through its four divisions: Automotive Aftermarket Suppliers Association (AASA); Heavy Duty Manufacturers Association (HDMA); Motor & Equipment Remanufacturers Association (MERA); and Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA). For more information on the motor vehicle parts supplier industry, visit www.mema.org

SOURCE Motor & Equipment Manufacturers Association