What does remanufacturing mean?
Remanufacturing is the restoration of a used or discontinued product so that it becomes comparable to a new product in condition and performance. It can involve repairing worn components, replacing failed parts, cleaning and refinishing surfaces, or reprocessing the product through a specialized production line. The word is especially common in discussions of vehicles, machinery, electronics, industrial equipment, and other durable goods. Unlike ordinary repair, remanufacturing usually implies a comprehensive process rather than a single correction. It is also used for the industry that carries out such work. The practice can help customers reduce costs while retaining the value of existing equipment, and it may reduce material consumption and waste associated with producing entirely new products.
nounThe process of restoring a used or discontinued product to a condition comparable to a new product by repairing, refurbishing, or reprocessing it. The term can also refer to the business or industry engaged in this work.
- The process of restoring a used or discontinued product to a condition comparable to a new product through repair, refurbishment, replacement of parts, or reprocessing.
- The industry or business engaged in restoring products in this way.
"The factory specializes in remanufacturing industrial pumps for customers who want reliable equipment without the cost of new units."
"Remanufacturing returned the engine to service without the expense of buying a replacement."
"The company expanded its remanufacturing operation to serve the growing market for restored industrial equipment."
The plural is grammatically possible but rarely used, because remanufacturing is commonly treated as an uncountable process or a field of activity.
"The conference brought together several different remanufacturings."
Remanufacturing gives old machinery a second working life—and can reduce cost, waste, and demand for replacement parts.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does remanufacturing come from?
Remanufacturing combines the prefix re-, meaning “again,” with manufacturing and the suffix -ing. Manufacturing ultimately comes through French from the Latin phrase manu facere, meaning “to make by hand.” The prefixed form developed as a term for returning products to a condition comparable to new through an industrial process.
Related word forms
How remanufacturing is actually used
The word is most common in manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, environmental, and economic contexts. It is broader than simple repair because the finished product is generally restored to a condition comparable to new.
Easily confused with remanufacturing
Manufacturing generally means producing new products, whereas remanufacturing specifically involves restoring used or discontinued products to a condition comparable to new.