Summary

The Automotive Parts Remanufacturers Association (APRA) represents businesses engaged in the global remanufacturing industry. Remanufacturing automotive parts is similar to assembling new parts except that many of the components are taken from used parts, especially the housing. In remanufacturing, the part are completely disassembled, cleaned and examined for wear and breakage. Worn out, missing or non-functioning components are replaced with new or rebuilt components. Electrical parts frequently need rewinding or rewiring. After all work is done, the part is reassembled and tested for compliance with performance specifications. Rebuilt parts are typically 50% to 75% of the cost of a new part and typically carries the same warranty.

History

Formed in October 24, 1941 by R. A. Van Alen and Harry Lester in Los Angeles. At the first association convention in 1947 Harry Lester was still president, and attendance was roughly 50 people. April 2, 1942, three representatives from APRA testified before Congress on behalf of the tax on rebuilt auto parts encouraging the House of Representatives to clarify the act of manufacturing vs. remanufacturing, and thus rule that the auto repair tax is only for newly manufactured auto parts and cannot be applied to remanufactured parts.

During World War II, there was a tremendous need to reuse automotive and truck parts. Natural resources were scarce, since much of them were devoted to to the war effort to build planes, ships, tanks, etc. APRA was able to promote the benefits of remanufacturing while directing its attention to various other matters such as work with the OPA, WPB, and other Government Agencies.

After the war in December of 1947, APRA held its first real National Convention in Chicago with an attendance of over 100. At that time, there were around 150 companies who were a member of APRA.

Events

APRA’s 2015 Big R/ReMaTecUSA Show topped over a 1,350 attendees from over 55 countries with over 150 exhibit booths. APRA and many members also participate in the SEMA and AAPEX shows.

Industries

Most members are classified as metal fabricators or automotive and transportation parts manufacturers. Rebuilt parts are also available for heavy duty equipment such as bus and truck fleets, farming equipment and construction equipment. Products typically remanufactured include brakes, air conditioning units, alternators, clutches, cv joints, differentials, crankshafts, drive shafts, engines, fuel pumps, drive axles, motors, power steering, rack and pinion steering, starters, transmissions, and more.

Membership

Over the past 75 years membership has grown to about 1,000 member companies worldwide. Membership benefits include networking, research, discounts on business services, and educational resources.

Publications

APRA does not publish a print magazine but doe keep members informed through periodic email newsletters. The organization also publishes research and resources of interest to their membership.

Contact Information

7250 Heritage Village Plaza, Suite 201
Gainesville, Virginia 20155
Phone: 1 (703) 968-2772
Email: [email protected]

Website: www.apra.org