With around 11% of the EU’s electricity generation coming from solar energy in 2024, it has for the first time surpassed coal-fired power generation. For photovoltaics to continue expanding its role in the energy transition, solar modules must be produced efficiently, cost-effectively, and in large quantities. Automated manufacturing processes play a key role in achieving this. How crystalline solar modules are manufactured—from the electrical interconnection of solar cells to the final quality control …

Shortly following the acquisition of Surplex by TBAuctions (TBA) in August 2024, the digital B2B auction brand is now powered by TBA technology. On February 7th, Surplex launched an exciting new storefront and app powered by TBA’s cutting-edge auction system, ushering in a new era of connectivity, trust, effectiveness, and efficiency. This integration strengthens TBA’s reach across Europe and cements Surplex’s position as part of Europe’s largest and most innovative online auction network. The combination of Surplex with the TBA platform creates greater opportunities for businesses trading used industrial goods; accelerating the circular economy.

In 2024, the European industry faced a significant downturn, particularly in the machinery and equipment sector and the automotive industry. These developments also impacted the used machinery market: high-quality equipment from the automotive industry became increasingly available, while businesses increasingly opted for cost-effective used machinery to reduce investment costs – a clear trend in uncertain times.

The structure of capital goods disposal is evolving. While banks and financial institutions previously relied mainly on direct sales through machinery dealers, they are now recognising the benefits of specialised auction houses. These not only serve as local contacts for sellers but also achieve higher global revenues due to their extensive buyer base.

Why is the end of the year the ideal time to sell unused machinery? Beyond financial and tax benefits, selling now offers a chance to free up space and budget for next year’s investments. On top of that, high year-end demand makes it easier to find buyers quickly and achieve attractive prices.

The market for trading used industrial goods is already worth hundreds of billions, yet auctions account for only a small fraction of it. Many people associate auctions with financial distress and insolvency, while lack of awareness and a fragmented market pose additional barriers. Tom Christenson, CEO of TBAuctions, discusses the transformation of the auction business for used industrial goods ...

When the next generation takes over the management of a company, it often brings a breath of fresh air and new ideas. But innovation also means change: old machines that tie up capital or no longer work efficiently have to go to make room for modernisation.

Circular economy meets Industry 4.0: How digital tools can shape the future of sustainable production. The EU project ALICIA aims to create a circular economy for production assets to minimise premature scrapping of machines and machine parts. Through the development of innovative digital tools, industrial companies and the used machinery market will be economically linked, allowing assets to be reused up to 100%.

The international auction house for used industrial machinery, Surplex, has made it to the finals of the 17th German Sustainability Award. This prestigious award, which will be presented on 28 November 2024 in Düsseldorf, honours pioneers in sustainability. Through the trade of used machinery, Surplex makes a significant contribution to the circular economy by extending the lifespan of machines, thereby reducing new production and waste.

The Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) at the University of Sheffield is a leading research institution in manufacturing engineering and material sciences. In February, 32 select, high-quality machines from the machine park were auctioned off by the industrial auction house Surplex. Phil Bell, Commissioning Engineer at AMRC, and Antony Reed, UK Country Manager for Surplex, take stock.

In times of high interest rates and inflation, construction companies face the difficult decision of how to optimally expand or modernise their machinery fleet. Whether renting, leasing, buying new or used machines – each option has its specific advantages and disadvantages.

TBAuctions, Europe’s leading B2B multi-brand digital auction platform, is excited to announce the acquisition of Surplex. The transaction closed on 7th August 2024. This strategic move accelerates TBAuctions’ growth into seven new countries including Poland, Portugal, Romania, Czech Republic, Hungary, and Serbia. It also bolsters TBAuctions’ presence in Germany, Spain, France, and Italy, while adding deep industry vertical expertise in metal and woodworking. By becoming part of the TBAuctions family, Surplex clients will now have access to source sellers from 20 countries, sell over 1.6 million assets receiving bids from 750k bidders from over 175 countries, generate hammersales of more than €1.6 billion.

Due to technological advancements and the ongoing impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, bus manufacturing faces significant challenges, necessitating a realignment of business strategies. A leading Swedish manufacturer has ceased the production of complete buses and instead focuses on producing chassis with various drivetrains at its plant in Słupsk, Poland. As part of this restructuring, around 1,150 items have been sorted out and will be auctioned by August 13 to 15.

Whether it’s houses, staircases, or squares: natural stones are the foundation of everyday life. Yet, the global construction industry faces challenges such as rising raw material prices and supply chain issues, leading to cost increases and project delays. These factors directly impact the natural stone industry, where demand for materials like limestone and granite is declining, yet paradoxically, prices are rising. Current market developments and why stock clearance auctions can be an opportunity for construction companies...

Autonomous and without statutory break times – Robots can offer real value to carpentry workshops and boost production. However, acquiring such machines is often associated with high costs. Used machines might offer a viable solution.

The green lathes, milling and drilling machines seem like relics from times gone by. These robust machines, often lacking CNC technology, are now rarely seen. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the so-called Reseda Green was one of the standard colours. Since green causes the least eye strain and helps prevent accidents in the workshop, Germany even had a standard, DIN 1844, until 1974, which specified Reseda Green as one of two machine colours. Even today, these green machines are cherished by collectors and connoisseurs.

From manufacturer to visual condition: How to avoid costly mistakes and risks when buying used laboratory equipment. While factors like maintenance history and brand are important, other factors such as location or, surprisingly, the visual condition play a lesser or no role in making a safe choice.

From manufacturer to runtime: Avoid expensive mistakes and risks with used machines.

Surplex, the industrial auction house, is known for auctioning used machinery. But now, it is launching a new ASMR project featuring the sounds of the industrial machines sold. The distinctive sounds from the world of industry are now available on two platforms: YouTube and Alexa.

They are encountered more often than you might think and are essential in many branches of industry: tubes. How today's production has been optimised, which areas of application pipes are used in and how used machines can be a sensible investment for more sustainable production.

On 18 March, Global Recycling Day is celebrated, focusing on utilising waste as a secondary resource for as long as possible. This process is also known as the circular economy. But what does this have to do with machinery? A globally interconnected second-hand machinery market acts as a circular economy for production resources, thereby contributing to a sustainable future.

Mechanical engineering, industry, construction, and workshops: These are environments typically associated with men – at least according to the prevailing view in society. This is because women are supposedly not interested in technology and machinery. However, this perspective is outdated, as confirmed by four women in key roles at the industrial auction house Surplex.

Precision engineering has been the key to high quality and safety in industries such as aerospace and medical technology for decades. As manufacturing technology advances, new trends are emerging that are pushing the boundaries of what is possible - from 3D printing to intelligent production networks. But it is not only newly manufactured machines that can contribute to progress in the industry.

The guidelines EBA/GL/2020/06 for lending and monitoring, published by the European Bank Authority (EBA) on 29 May 2020, represent a comprehensive framework for data management, lending standards, and customer relations within the European banking sector. These guidelines aim to address identified deficiencies in existing lending processes, thereby significantly contributing to the strengthening of the EU banking system's stability.

How are gears for heavy industry – 16 m in diameter and 500 t in weight – manufactured? On a vertical turret lathe. These special lathes are used whenever large and heavy workpieces need to be produced with the utmost precision. The following overview explains the technical fundamentals of vertical turret lathes in seven facts.