FER 2023 Training schedule – FREE to members
8th February 2023
The Federation of Engine Remanufacturers adds Keep It Green Solutions to its growing roster
6th March 2023The Federation of Engine Remanufacturers’ (FER) Annual Conference took place at DoubleTree Hilton Kensington on Saturday 15th October, with a host of industry speakers discussing the opportunities in the sector, as the automotive industry faces significant external challenges.
The Conference returned face-to-face for 2022, and was sponsored by aftermarket service provider DRiV, plus AMC and Ajusa. The annual event featured engine remanufacturing technology, trends, and the latest products, plus the Federation’s Annual General Meeting and members’ dinner.
Rod Bennett, operations manager at FER, said: “It was great to meet our expanded membership at the annual conference, and discuss the latest industry insights and developments, in person once again.
“Our conference is a jewel in the crown for the Federation and its members, presenting a unique opportunity to collectively meet and discuss the opportunities across the remanufacturing sector, despite the economic challenges facing the automotive industry.”
Kicking off the conference was Millers Oils’ national sales managers Callum Cooper and Craig Chatburn who presented the lubricants brand’s product portfolio including water-based cutting fluids plus slideway, spindle and hydraulic oils, all crucial in engine remanufacturing processes.
Millers Oils highlighted the importance of analysis, the process in which oil samples are assessed to provide insight into the condition of the engine or application. This process also identifies key information on the suitability of the lubricant for that application.
Next up, ElringKlinger provided deep insight into the future of engine remanufacturing as the automotive industry moves further into electrification. Its seminar featured technical training on diesel engine troubleshooting, advances in cylinder head gasket piston, and bearing technology.
The conference also heard from the Society of Operations Engineers (SOE), the leading professional engineering institution for engineers in road transport, plant operations and engineer surveying.
With 14,000 members, the Society offers access to industry leading journals and guides plus technical webinars and events. At the FER conference, SOE promoted the independent irtec accreditation, which validates technician competence in the commercial vehicle, trailer and passenger carrying industries.
The last talk of the day came from independent insurance provider Ascend Broking Group, who exhibited to Federation members its specialist cover services across fleet management, business continuity, and driver management.
Ascend showcased the latest developments to its new claims app, including immediate claim reporting, picture-based damage claim forms, and driver incentive programmes.
Attendance at this year’s conference was high as FER continues to expand its membership, following the recent introduction of popular new training events and new website content to support engine remanufacturers.
“As the Federation continues to evolve, it was great to welcome another impressive set of speakers at the conference, helping to ensure members are best placed to grow and develop their businesses, and meet the challenges of the future,” Bennett added.
FER is encouraging its members to attend future conferences to learn about the Federation’s activity over the past 12 months, and have their voices heard on how this activity is managed and how the sector navigates the challenges faced by the wider automotive sector.
