Looking through the Skoda UK website while I try to find info regarding a rust problem I have I stumbled across this page.

 

http://www.skoda.co.uk/end-of-life-vehicles/

 

I thought it was interesting to know that Skoda remanufacture used parts to sell them on with a manufacturer guarantee under the name Genuine Parts....

Yep, stuff such as starter motors, alternators etc which are bead blasted, painted etc. rewound and new bearings fitted, and are essentially a new part in an old casing. All motor factors sell parts on a replacement basis as the old one goes off for remanufacturing. They're not second hand really as they just use the casings and suchlike.

I understand that it is done and have exchanged many parts in the past with motor factors but I didn't know Skoda did it themselves.  Just found it interesting but also wondered if they told you that the 'new' alternator you purchased was re manufactured or not.  It wouldn't bother me but I feel some people avoid motor factors believing that they are all rubbish parts and would go to the dealer to get new.

Nothing unusual for OE manufacturers to remanufacture parts - it's been going on for years. If it's got a surcharge, it's usually remanufactured.