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.