Buying New vs. Used Glass Handling Equipment

Thanks to the durability of glass products the industry has continued to grow steadily with a projected market value of $328.26 billion by 2025. Glass manufacturing can be a very lucrative investment. Equipping a glass manufacturing facility can cost from $500,000 to $5 million though, requiring a sizeable investment up front.

Depending on the type of used glass equipment being purchased, buying used glass handling equipment or machines isn’t always a bad investment. If you are planning to purchase a used or refurbished piece of glass equipment, here are some things to look out for:

• Is the manufacturer still in business and will parts be available for future maintenance?
• Are there any warranties still in place?
• Is the history of the machine available so you can evaluate its usage?
• Is the technology rapidly changing and the equipment will be obsolete?

Like a new car, newer glass handling equipment and machinery will have the most current technology available. New glass equipment and machines also tend to:

• Perform multiple functions, so one machine replaced 2 or 3 older ones
• Have higher speed and precision rates
• Be more automated, which can lower labor costs
• Increase employee safety and reduce risks of carpal tunnel syndrome
• Include warranties and easy access to repair parts

In several states, Wakefield Equipment has been able to help our customers apply for and receive grant money for purchasing new glass equipment. For example, in the state of Ohio, the Safety Intervention Grant awards grant dollars to businesses who invest in new glass handling machines which significantly reduce or eliminate the risk of injury or illness specific to a particular task or operation. Anyone who has been around the glass industry knows that carpal tunnel syndrome is a real problem for their employees and costs businesses in both productivity and in dollars and cents. Many of the new glass machines are designed to reduce the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome—and therefore your workers compensation claims.

Wakefield Equipment only sells new and custom built equipment. We have made this choice because our experience with our glass shop customers has been that purchasing new equipment tends to result in a better ROI over time. Wakefield Equipment is able to customize glass machines to your needs at an affordable price. To find out more about the products we offer and how we can help take your glass shop sales to the next level, contact us.