Peters Visits Grand Rapids Auto Parts Remanufacturer to Highlight Growing Industry
Peters Discusses Legislation to Support Remanufacturers and Reduce Wasteful Spending
WASHINGTON, DC –Today U.S. Senator Gary Peters (MI) visited North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing in Grand Rapids to highlight Michigan’s growing remanufacturing industry and discuss bipartisan legislation he introduced with Senator James Lankford (R-OK). The legislation, which recently advanced in the Senate, would support remanufacturing suppliers and reduce wasteful government spending. Peters was joined by Adam Knobeloch, the General Manager of North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing. North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing is a joint venture between Bosch and Detroit Diesel that specializes in remanufacturing fuel systems and their components.
“The federal government spends nearly $1 billion every year on repairing federal vehicles, and using remanufactured parts can save hundreds of dollars on individual repairs while maintaining safety and quality,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud that the first bill I introduced in the Senate helps save taxpayer money while supporting the growing remanufacturing industry in Michigan. I’m honored to work with Congressman Huizenga on this commonsense measure to reduce wasteful spending so that we can make important investments that will create jobs, grow our economy and strengthen our middle class.”
Peters and Lankford recently introduced the Federal Vehicle Repair Cost Savings Act, which will help save taxpayer dollars on repair of government vehicles by encouraging the use of remanufactured automotive parts. The measure requires federal agencies to encourage the use of remanufactured parts when doing so lowers costs, maintains quality and performance and does not compromise safety. Last month, the measure was unanimously approved by the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Last week, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) introduced this measure in the U.S. House of Representatives.
“Saving taxpayer dollars and creating jobs in Michigan are two commonsense ideas that deserve strong bipartisan support,” said Congressman Huizenga. “I am proud to join Senator Peters in this effort to make the federal government more efficient and more effective. Michigan is the engine of America’s automobile industry and home to the highest skilled manufacturing workforce in the nation. It only makes sense that a bipartisan proposal to support manufacturing be made in Michigan.”
“Detroit Reman and North American Fuel Systems Remanufacturing LLC thank Senator Peters for his efforts to support automotive remanufacturing within the federal vehicle fleet,” said Adam Knobeloch, Vice President and General Manager of North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing. “I am pleased to welcome him to our facility in Grand Rapids and appreciate his support for Michigan’s remanufacturing industry.”
Remanufactured parts are often less expensive than similar new parts and have been returned to same-as-new condition using a standardized industrial process. This legislation provides the necessary oversight to ensure that federal agencies are considering remanufactured parts to reduce their vehicle repair and maintenance costs. Using remanufactured parts such as engines, transmissions, alternators and starters helps reduce taxpayer burden, promotes conservation and supports the U.S auto supply industry.
The United States is the world’s largest producer, consumer and exporter of remanufactured goods. Remanufacturing of motor vehicle parts creates 30,653 full-time U.S. jobs, while remanufacturing of off-road equipment creates an additional 20,870 jobs. North America Fuel Systems Remanufacturing employs more than 150 people in Michigan, and 25 employees work at the Grand Rapids facility.
Peters and Lankford previously introduced this measure in the House of Representatives after a Government Accountability Office (GAO) study they requested confirmed that the measure provided an opportunity to reduce the $1 billion in annual vehicle repair and maintenance expenses of approximately 588,000 government vehicles.
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