This interview is brought to you by Marmon Renew.

What trends are you seeing as companies place remanufacturing orders?

Corey Fireison: What I’m seeing from our customers and potential customers is that they are tasked with having a higher percentage of their equipment be remanufactured versus purchasing new. Many have seen their capital budgets reduced, and remanufacturing has been a great alternative to purchasing new equipment.

We’re also seeing an uptick in equipment upgrades. This includes upgrading lighting from fluorescent to LED, and also upgrades for fountain equipment, so going from regular merchandisers to potentially having digital merchandisers, too.

Nate Warden: In terms of specific equipment, I’ve noticed an increase in fountain valves. I’m also seeing an increase in remanufacturing orders for some of the next-gen coffee brewers as well, specifically the bean-to-cup products, as these models and these types of machines have been in the field for several years now. Our customers have a need to ensure that these popular models are in top condition.

Based on Marmon’s expertise in remanufacturing dispensers, what are some of the top mistakes companies make when it comes to caring for these machines in their stores?

Warden: One common mistake equipment owners often make is taking a Band-Aid solution to their equipment when really a repair is actually necessary. When they do this, it could lead to additional costs in having to repeat service calls to address this reoccurring issue.

Fireison: Preventive maintenance is the key to ensuring the equipment functions properly and increases the life of the equipment. Daily maintenance of valves, calibration and scheduling regular preventive maintenance service calls are recommended.

One common mistake equipment owners often make is taking a Band-Aid solution to their equipment when really a repair is actually necessary.”

Does the quality of the machine affect the taste of the drink it’s dispensing?

Warden: Absolutely. I think that’s why it’s important to make sure that owners are maintaining the equipment while it is in use. But it’s also just as important to understand when the equipment has reached the need for remanufacturing services.

For example, product delivery tubing in fountain dispensers can become stained over time. The product can become pungent based on the types of syrup flavors that are being dispensed in that machine. And it’s not just the end product that can be negatively impacted by poor-quality machines. If we look at equipment like coffee brewers, the boiler tank and heating elements are prone to accumulating lime buildup from the water. This buildup could lead to longer than normal start-up times for the equipment, and excessive run times of the equipment.

Fireison: If the machine is not cleaned properly and sanitized on a regular basis, it’s going to affect the quality of that end product. It’s jeopardized at that point. The lack of cleaning and sanitizing can affect the taste, including the syrup and the carbonation on the fountain side.

What does the remanufacturing process look like at Marmon Renew? What can retailers expect?

Warden: At Marmon Renew, we’ve established a very rigorous remanufacturing process that completely transforms the old equipment. The equipment is disassembled to the component level. The equipment is then cleaned and sanitized before cosmetic repairs are carried out. When the equipment reaches the assembly stage, components are further assessed for quality and reliability. Parts are replaced and the equipment is rebuilt using only OEM components.

All equipment is then subject to a full wet test. Functionality is verified. Leak testing is performed and parameters are set to our customer specifications. Finally, the equipment is tested for electrical safety and inspected to ensure that the final touches have been applied and that customer quality standards have been met.

Fireison: We also tailor the equipment manufacturing process with the operator. We have the capabilities to upgrade merchandisers—whether it’s for frozen or for fountain equipment, going from an analog merchandiser to a digital merchandiser. If it’s offered by the OEM, we have the capabilities to upgrade that.

Visit MarmonRenew.com to learn more about remanufacturing and contact us at renew@marmonfoodservice.com.