Used manufacturing equipment can retain significant value long after a business no longer needs it. Manufacturers regularly replace machinery as production needs change, facilities relocate, or newer technology is installed. When that happens, businesses may be left with equipment that still has resale potential.
Instead of allowing unused machinery to take up valuable floor space—or immediately sending it to scrap—it may be worth determining whether another business is willing to purchase it.
What Used Manufacturing Equipment Can Be Sold?
A wide range of industrial and manufacturing equipment may have resale potential.
This can include CNC machines, lathes, mills, presses, compressors, pumps, motors, conveyors, material handling equipment, packaging machinery, fabrication equipment, electrical equipment, generators, tools, shelving, and other production assets.
The value of used manufacturing equipment depends on several factors, including the manufacturer, model, age, condition, operating hours, maintenance history, and current demand.
Even older machinery may have value when businesses are still using that model or looking for replacement equipment and parts.
Gather Information Before Selling Your Equipment
Before attempting to sell machinery, collect as much information as possible.
Start by identifying the manufacturer, model number, serial number, approximate age, and operating condition. Maintenance records and equipment manuals can also be helpful.
Clear photographs can make it easier for an equipment buyer to evaluate the machinery and determine whether there may be a market for it.
The more information available, the easier it can be to determine an appropriate selling strategy.
Choose the Right Selling Method
How quickly the equipment needs to leave your facility can influence how it should be sold.
If a facility is closing, relocating, or preparing for renovation, there may be a firm deadline for equipment removal. An outright equipment purchase may provide a faster option.
Businesses with more time may consider equipment consignment or an online auction. Equipment Recycle offers auction, consignment, and outright purchase services depending on the quantity of equipment, timeline, and goals of the seller.
INTERNAL LINK: Link “auction, consignment, and outright purchase services” to the Equipment Recycle Services page.
Plan for Machinery Removal
Industrial machinery can be heavy and may require specialized equipment, rigging, loading, or transportation.
Before completing a sale, determine who will be responsible for disconnecting, removing, and transporting the equipment. Proper planning is especially important when machinery must be moved from an active manufacturing environment.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration provides guidance for businesses regarding rigging and material-handling equipment.
OUTBOUND LINK: Link “rigging and material-handling equipment” to OSHA’s rigging guidance.
Turn Unused Equipment Into Value
Used machinery does not have to remain in storage indefinitely or automatically become scrap.
Equipment Recycle works with businesses looking to sell and repurpose surplus commercial and industrial equipment. Whether your company is upgrading machinery, relocating, downsizing, or closing a facility, there may be an opportunity to recover value from equipment you no longer need.
Contact Equipment Recycle to discuss your used manufacturing equipment and determine which selling option makes sense for your situation.