Siemens Brings Refurbished Automation Products to a Digital Marketplace
Siemens has partnered with Sparepartsnow to expand access to refurbished industrial automation products. The partnership connects Siemens’ refurbishment capabilities with Sparepartsnow’s digital B2B marketplace.
As a result, industrial customers can purchase manufacturer-refurbished Siemens automation equipment through a dedicated online channel. The initial portfolio includes drives, controllers, and HMI panels.
The cooperation supports industrial automation users seeking alternatives for aging equipment and discontinued product generations.
Refurbished by Siemens Supports Longer Product Lifecycles
The new refurbished by Siemens approach focuses on extending the operational life of previously used automation equipment. Siemens restores eligible products and returns them to defined technical and performance requirements.
The refurbishment process includes technical repair and required hardware updates. In addition, Siemens performs software updates when necessary.
Technicians also complete visual restoration when the product condition requires it. Siemens then conducts comprehensive quality and functional testing.
Therefore, customers receive products refurbished directly by the original equipment manufacturer.
Manufacturer Refurbishment Matters for Industrial Automation
Refurbished equipment plays an important role in industrial automation lifecycle management. Many factories continue operating PLC, DCS, drives, and control systems for extended periods.
However, replacement availability often becomes a challenge as product generations age. Original equipment may also become difficult to source.
Manufacturer refurbishment can provide another supply option for installed automation systems. This approach may help plants maintain equipment compatibility and operational continuity.
For example, a production facility may require an existing controller or drive model during maintenance. Replacing the complete control system could require engineering changes and additional downtime.
Therefore, a suitable refurbished replacement can reduce the need for immediate system migration.
Siemens Applies Original Technical Specifications
According to Siemens, refurbished products retain their original technical specifications and performance characteristics. The company does not functionally modify or performance-enhance these products.
Each device undergoes a standardized refurbishment and testing process before Siemens releases it for sale.
The process includes technical inspection, repair, hardware and software updates where required, and quality verification.
Moreover, Siemens states that refurbished products must satisfy applicable safety, conformity, and cybersecurity requirements from their original market placement.
This distinction remains important for industrial customers managing established factory automation environments.
Digital Marketplace Improves Access to Automation Spare Parts
Sparepartsnow provides the digital marketplace element of the partnership. The platform gives industrial customers another channel for sourcing refurbished Siemens automation products.
Digital procurement platforms continue changing how companies manage industrial spare parts. Maintenance teams increasingly require faster visibility into available products and lifecycle alternatives.
Moreover, online marketplaces can simplify product searches across different equipment categories.
This can support maintenance teams responsible for PLC systems, control systems, drives, HMIs, and other factory automation equipment.
The partnership combines manufacturer product knowledge with digital marketplace accessibility.
Circularity Becomes More Relevant in Factory Automation
Industrial circularity increasingly focuses on keeping equipment in productive service for longer periods. Refurbishment represents one practical approach within this strategy.
Instead of immediately replacing all used equipment, suitable products can undergo inspection, repair, and testing.
As a result, manufacturers may reduce unnecessary waste and improve resource utilization.
However, circularity in industrial automation requires strict technical control. Automation products must meet defined electrical, functional, and safety requirements.
This creates an important difference between manufacturer refurbishment and uncontrolled secondary-market sourcing.
In my view, this distinction will become increasingly important for industrial customers. Plants need circular solutions, but they also need technical documentation, traceability, and predictable product performance.
Practical Value for Maintenance and Control System Operations
Maintenance departments often face difficult decisions when automation equipment fails. They can repair the existing device, purchase used equipment, install a replacement, or upgrade the system.
Each option involves different technical and operational considerations.
A refurbished product from the original manufacturer may provide an additional option. This can be particularly useful when facilities operate mixed-generation automation architectures.
For example, a plant may operate newer controllers alongside legacy drives and HMI systems. A complete modernization project could require significant engineering work.
Therefore, refurbished automation products may help organizations maintain existing installations while planning long-term upgrades.
Application Scenario: Extending the Life of Existing Automation Systems
Consider a manufacturing facility operating an established production line with Siemens controllers, drives, and HMI panels.
A critical automation component reaches the end of its operational life. However, the facility cannot immediately stop production for a complete control system upgrade.
The maintenance team can evaluate available refurbishment options for the affected product.
If the refurbished unit matches the required technical specifications, the team may restore the equipment faster.
Meanwhile, engineering teams can continue developing a future PLC or factory automation modernization strategy.
This approach can support operational continuity while reducing pressure for unplanned system replacement.
Europe Serves as the Initial Market
Siemens and Sparepartsnow will initially offer the refurbished product approach in Europe. The first portfolio focuses on selected automation products.
These include drives, controllers, and HMI panels.
However, Siemens plans to expand both the product portfolio and regional availability over time.
Future expansion could increase access to circular lifecycle services across additional industrial automation markets.
Industry Perspective: Circular Automation Is Moving Toward Structured Lifecycle Management
The partnership reflects a broader shift within industrial automation. Manufacturers increasingly view product lifecycle management as extending beyond initial equipment sales.
Customers now expect support for installed systems throughout longer operating periods.
This includes spare parts, repairs, modernization services, software updates, cybersecurity management, and refurbishment.
Therefore, circular lifecycle services could become a larger part of future industrial automation strategies.
For PLC, DCS, and factory automation operators, the value depends on technical compatibility and product availability. Strong refurbishment processes can provide another lifecycle option between repair and complete replacement.
The Siemens and Sparepartsnow partnership demonstrates how manufacturers can combine refurbishment expertise with digital procurement platforms.
As industrial facilities continue balancing uptime, sustainability, and modernization costs, structured refurbishment may become an increasingly practical solution.
