ASSET MANAGEMENT & MAINTENANCE
THE SMART WAY TO REPAIR AND MANAGE INDUSTRIAL ASSETS
Steve McCallion, Regional Technical Sales Director at Rubix, looks at how maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) can be an opportunity to reduce cost, enhance efficiency, cut carbon emissions and conserve natural resources
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gainst economic pressure and environmental ambition, repairing industrial equipment and machinery is an attractive alternative to outright replacement.
Repairing your industrial equipment and machinery can save you a lot of money compared to buying new machines, especially in intricate systems. By bringing existing equipment back to working order, companies can prolong the life of their assets, which helps lower the overall cost of ownership in the long run. This financial benefit improves profitability and allows businesses to allocate funds to other important areas, like innovation, employee training or expanding operations. Of course, they depend on the technical expertise and specialist knowledge that Rubix provides to customers at their site, alongside the production line.
Time advantage of repairs One of the key advantages of repairing industrial equipment over purchasing new machinery is the significantly shorter turnaround time. Buying and installing new equipment often involves multiple stages, including ordering the machine, waiting for delivery, setting up the system, performing initial tests and training employees on its use. This decision to replace can leave you exposed to supply chain delays.
Some delays can stretch out over weeks or even months, depending on the complexity
28 FEBRUARY 2025 | PROCESS & CONTROL
and availability of the equipment. Production can be halted or significantly slowed during this time, leading to costly unplanned downtime that can disrupt your business operations, delay delivery schedules and negatively affect customer satisfaction. In contrast, repairing existing equipment can often be done on-site, at the production facility, without requiring extensive lead times. Repairs can typically be completed more quickly, especially when a skilled technician or service provider can handle the issue immediately. This minimises the interruption to production, allowing your business to return to full operation in a fraction of the time it would take to integrate new machinery.
Environmental benefits
The manufacturing and disposal of products consume vast amounts of energy, raw materials and natural resources. Repair services offer a sustainable alternative by reducing the need for new manufacturing processes. In this way, businesses can contribute to the conservation of materials while minimising waste generation. Furthermore, replacing equipment leads to the emission of greenhouse gases throughout the production and transportation processes. Repair services help mitigate this impact by reducing the associated carbon emissions. By embracing repairs as a viable option, businesses proactively contribute to climate change
and work towards achieving their sustainability goals. According to a report by the International Resource Panel, emissions associated with remanufactured products are between 79-99% lower than for newly manufactured products.
Remanufacturing solutions For example, Rubix worked with a leading UK steel manufacturer in early 2023 to remanufacture an exceptionally large slewing ring bearing already on site. Our solution helped the customer to avoid £415,000 in new equipment purchases while also avoiding 54,000 kWh in energy and 23.2 tonnes in carbon emissions associated with the specialised transportation of a new bearing.
By shifting their focus towards repairs, businesses can align with the principles of a circular economy, demonstrate environmental stewardship and positively impact the economy and society. Investing in repair services is not just a smart business move - it is a conscientious choice that drives economic growth and environmental responsibility.
Smarter and sustainable operations By prolonging the lifespan of your machinery, you can achieve significant cost savings, improve operational efficiency and make a meaningful impact on your own environmental objectives. Repairing assets goes beyond simply fixing what’s broken; it involves utilising specialised expertise, such as that provided by Rubix, to promote smarter and more sustainable operations. This approach helps mitigate supply chain disruptions and unexpected downtime risks while reducing waste and carbon emissions. Adopting repairs is a proactive move toward a future where businesses can operate with increased agility, accountability and a long-term perspective. This choice aligns with the principles of a circular economy, enhances profitability and positions companies as leaders in innovation and environmental stewardship. Rubix is the largest supplier of industrial MRO products and services in Europe. It supports clients in a wide range of sectors including manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, and energy.
Rubix
www.rubix.com
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