Manufacturers are always on the lookout for new or used production equipment, and 2008 is no exception.  Capital spending per manufacturing employee in the U.S. in 2008 should top $10,942, based on the latest U.S. Census Bureau data. Capital spending covers manufacturers’ purchases of machinery and equipment, as well as spending for everything from computers to vehicles to buildings. 

One executive who is looking for good results in 2008 is Bob Scofield, publisher of the Used Equipment Network (UEN). The Used Equipment Network lists over 75,000 pieces of used industrial, commercial and professional equipment currently for sale by used equipment dealers.

New Equipment Digest readers as well as manufacturers everywhere should contact Bob Scofield if they are thinking of buying used equipment.  UEN stands ready to help prospective buyers find the used equipment they need.  Bob’s contact information is below: 

Email: bobs@buyused.com

Tel: 201-845-2452

Fax: 973-625-8933

Manufacturers should visit the UEN web site at http://www.buyused.com/ and request a copy of the UEN monthly newsletter. Or, check out the Used Equipment Directory at http://www.ued-ed.com/

Another official who is predicting a successful 2008 is Ron Tiedman, sales manager of HGR Industrial Surplus.  HGR (http://www.hgrindustrialsurplus.com/) is based in Euclid, Ohio. 

“I see HGR continuing to grow, and we've increased our business every year for the past six years,” said Ron.  He added: “When people say the economy is slowing, we just don't see it.”

Manufacturers with broad product lineups, explained Ron, may be better able to withstand speed bumps in the economy. “Businesses that have a diverse line of products seem to be doing better.  Manufacturers that are focused on one particular product may be seeing a bit of a falloff.”  Ron has been selling used equipment for about 15 years.  

HGR sells a variety of used equipment.  “We have everything that a manufacturer needs. We don't really specialize in one particular area. We have everything from metalworking to woodworking, plastics, laboratory--we are all over the board,” said HGR’s Ron Tiedman.

Each week, HGR buys and sells more than 50 truckloads of used industrial surplus equipment.  The company’s ten-acre showroom has 70,000 items in stock, with about 8,000 sold each month. HGR has been in business for nine years.

Planning is key for manufacturers who are considering buying used equipment, said HGR’s Tiedman. “Businesses have to determine what they really need, and then develop a list of priorities. They also should determine the best layout for the used equipment in their plant.”

Contact information for HGR:

HGR Industrial Surplus

20001 Euclid Ave. Euclid, Ohio 44117-1480

Ph: 216.486.4567

Fax: 216.486.4779

ron@hgrinc.com