When supply chains failed, refurbished kept us running

During the global supply chain disruptions of recent years, many manufacturers struggled with long delivery times for critical automation components. For companies that rely on PLCs, HMIs and industrial drives, waiting months for replacement parts was simply not an option. For Quero Automation in Spain, refurbished equipment became the solution that kept production running. Manuel Santamaría Paniagua, sales delegate and solutions advisor at the company, explains how what started as an emergency response evolved into a long term strategy. “We were sourcing critical components with delivery times that became completely incompatible with industrial reality,” he says. “For many plants, waiting months for a replacement part simply meant stopping production.” 

Initially, refurbished equipment was seen as a temporary workaround during the supply crisis. Like many others in the industry, Quero Automation questioned whether refurbished components could match the reliability of new equipment. However, real world experience quickly changed that perception. “The performance exceeded our expectations,” Santamaría explains. “Customers installed the refurbished parts and their production lines performed exactly as required.”  Today, refurbished components are no longer viewed as a last resort but as an integral part of the company’s procurement strategy. “Refurbished equipment is no longer an emergency solution, but a permanent strategic pillar of our procurement and service model.” 

A key factor behind this shift is the quality assurance behind refurbished equipment. Reliable suppliers use advanced diagnostic and testing technologies such as laser inspection, X ray analysis and flying probe testing to verify the condition of components. With this level of testing, refurbished equipment can be supplied with warranties comparable to new products. For Quero Automation, this confidence allows them to offer customers warranties of up to two years or more on refurbished components. 

The company has now integrated refurbished components into a broader circular strategy. By extending the lifecycle of industrial electronics, businesses can reduce supply risks, lower costs and improve sustainability. 

Quero Automation also combines refurbished components with digital tools such as predictive maintenance and digital twin technology. These systems analyse plant data and simulate equipment behaviour, helping operators anticipate failures and optimise production processes. 

For Santamaría, the lesson from the supply chain crisis is clear: companies should treat refurbished equipment as part of a long term asset management strategy rather than a last minute fix. “My main recommendation is not to see refurbished spares as an emergency solution, but as a smart strategy for the future,” he says. When combined with reliable suppliers, predictive maintenance and lifecycle planning, refurbished components can help manufacturers build more resilient operations. As Santamaría concludes: “I truly believe refurbished spares are both an economic and an environmental win.”