Used is the new new

Tuesday, 25 November 2008

With the current economic squeeze, many confectionery manufacturers are looking to cut production costs. Specifying second-hand or reconditioned equipment can offer big cost savings. Suzanne Callander reports As confectionery manufacturers around the globe look for ways to reduce their overall production costs, the use of second-hand machinery and equipment is an increasing trend. German-based Wolf Spezialmaschinen has been supplying quality used technology for many years, in addition to developing its own confectionery manufacturing systems, and it always has a wide variety of used equipment for sale. A list of available equipment is posted on its web site – www.wolf-machines.de – giving customers an idea of what is available. Used machinery can be purchased in its original condition, or it can be fully overhauled and repainted. During refurbishment the machine will be stripped-down, all bearings are replaced, wiring is renewed and the technology adapted to suit the demands of the country to which it is being supplied. Wolf considers that confectionery manufacturers seeking to reduce costs, and who take the opportunity to view and buy from its wide range of second-hand machines, will gain several advantages. The first, and most obvious, is the distinct cost difference between new and refurbished equipment. Wolf can also offer short delivery times, and has the ability to quickly update and modernise older equipment so that it reaches today's production requirements. It also offers a warranty for all of its overhauling work. Increasing demands Andrew Mann is company director at A.M.P Rose, a UK-based supplier of new, used and rebuilt machines for the confectionery and bakery industries. He recently talked to Kennedy’s Confection about the increasing demand for rebuilt machinery. He said: “Our company started life as a supplier of reconditioned Rose wrapping machines in the late 1970's. Since then we have diversified into a much wider range of both processing and packaging machines. Today, we supply machines from a wide variety of manufacturers such as Rasch, SIG, Sapal, ACMA GD, and Autowrappers, as well as our own brands. “Right now we have a full order book and the vast majority  is for used and reconditioned machines. The reasons for this change of direction are quite simple – used machines are generally available on much shorter delivery times, and in addition are considerably less expensive. So, the buyers’ production and financial goals are both achieved with such an investment. “A.M.P Rose tries to differentiate itself from the competition by supplying fully rebuilt machines that in almost every sense are like a new one – we strip the machines to the bare frame, replacing all the mechanical parts that need it. All the electrical parts and control panels are new and guards are up-graded to meet current ‘CE’ standards. In addition to this, we manufacture new size-specific parts to suit the customers desired product sizes.” Once completed, the machine is delivered to the factory site, and A.M.P Rose engineers install and commission the machines and train the operators on machine use, safety and maintenance. After-sales services for spare parts, etc, is handled by the company's after-market department. “It is basically a 'one-stop-shop' for the buyer, with full responsibility for the project undertaken by us,” Mann concludes. www.amp-rose.com www.wolf-machines.de