Episode 98 -- Colin Doherty, Managing Director of Original Engines Co

Welcome to episode 98 of @AuManufacturing Conversations, sponsored by ECI Solutions. ECI has the leading ERP software for small and medium-sized manufacturers. With solutions to suit all types of manufacturers, they have manufacturing software that can scale as your business grows.

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In this episode we hear from Colin Doherty, Managing Director of Original Engines Co. He tells us about finding himself an accidental participant in the circular economy, the untapped opportunity for remanufacturing in Australia, why he believes internal combustion engines will be around for decades to come, and more. 

Episode guide

1:15 – A career path beginning in the late-1970s as a fitter and turner in the aerospace industry, then automotive remanufacture in the mid-1980s.

2:50 – Starting TDC Engines in 1990, beginning with component reconditioning.

4:15 – Becoming a part of warranty programs for big OEMs, starting with Ford.

6:05 – Reconditioning, repair, remanufacture and how these are defined.

8:30 – The volumes the company is dealing in.

10:02 – Some reflections on the demise of passenger car manufacture in Australia, as well as how they dealt with it.

13:02 – How prevalent engine manufacturing is in this country.

14:48 – The lightbulb moment when it comes to the circular economy and how OEC fit in.

16:35 – Battery electric vehicles and their predicted impact on what Doherty does.

18:46 – Some thoughts on government support to encourage remanufacture.

20:13 – The place of manufacturing in a society, how it’s misunderstood, and why that isn’t helping attract the required skills.