Used Food Processing Equipment is equipment used by food manufacturers to produce, process and pack all different types of food and beverages.
From small artisan producers through to large scale industrial food manufacturers. All different types of producers use and require food processing equipment. This equipment can either be new or used, second hand food processing equipment.
Introduction:
Food Processing Equipment includes all equipment and tools that are used to make food and beverages. From raw ingredients through to finished products.
It includes every process in food manufacturing from preparing, cleaning, cooking, preserving and packaging food and beverages.
From standard food processing equipment used by various businesses through to specialised food equipment.
The role of food processing equipment in the industry is to ensure consistency, efficiency and food safety across the industry.
Each type of food processing equipment has a specific role to play in ensuring a product is produced, processed and packed and ready for market.
Growing Market for Used Food Processing Equipment:
With out of control inflation, rising costs of raw materials, produce, staff wages, rent, electric, there is a growing market for second-hand food processing equipment.
Many food manufacturers who are trying to maximise their profits, manage their cash flow and reduce their expenses are looking at all the different options available to help cut costs and seek ways to increase their profits and improve their profitability are looking to source and purchase Pre-Owned Food Processing Equipment.
Other businesses are staring to look at available options to help keep their businesses afloat.
More and more businesses in the Industry are looking at alternatives to:
- Paying over inflated prices for expensive brand new equipment which looses a significant amount of value upon purchase.
- Crushing their cash flow by purchasing brand new equipment on credit.
- Utilising expensive contact manufacturing services
- Labour intensive processes which result in high labour costs, less efficiency, inconsistency and much lower production levels.
All of which provide producers with a much lower return on their investment.
As a result, more and more food producers are looking to source and purchase second-hand food processing equipment.
Benefits of Buying Used Food Processing Equipment:
Cost Savings:
Cost Savings: Huge savings are available to any business that purchases used, second hand food processing equipment as opposed to brand new equipment.
Affordable Food Processing Equipment:
Pre-owned, second-hand food processing equipment provides an affordable cost saving solution for businesses large and small from gourmet artisan producers through to large scale food manufacturers.
Sustainability:
Purchasing used – second hand has huge environmental benefits as opposed to brand new equipment. Reusing equipment produces less waste, utilises less resources and produces less land fill.
More and more customers are looking to buy from socially responsible businesses. A business who prioritises ethical practices and positive impacts on society, the environment and the community.
Many customers are voting with their dollars and spending their money with environmentally responsible businesses. A business, who’s values are aligned with their own values. A business who follows through at every conceivable brand touch point and does not practice deceptive green washing tactics whereby they exaggerate or falsely claim their products or overall practices are environmentally friendly. Customers are very astute and savvy and many can see through deceptive practices, marketing, advertising and PR spin.
Many customers are in favour of transparent businesses that do their part for society and protect the environment.
Genuine sustainable efforts should cover all aspects of a company’s operations, not just isolated initiatives.
Types of Used Food Processing Equipment:
Categories:
Although this list does not include all equipment, broadly speaking, the equipment can generally be broken down into the following categories.
Processing:
Used Bakery Equipment
Centrifuges
Confectionery
Cookers – Ovens – Fryers
Dairy
Dryers
Filters
Food Machinery
Fruit and Vegetable
Heat Exchangers
Homogenisers
Jacketed Tanks – Kettles
Meat and Poultry Equipment
Mills
Mixers
Pasteurisers
Pumps
Refrigeration
Screens
Slicers and Dicers
Tanks
Packaging:
Bottling
Cappers
Cartoning, Strapping, Case Loading, Sealing
Fillers
Horizontal Form Fill Seal
Labellers
Other Packaging
Scales – Weigh Sealing Machines
Shrink, Stretch Packaging Machines
Vacuum Packaging Machines
Vertical Form Fill Seal
Material Handling:
Complete Plant Lines
Metal Detectors
Conveyors
Material Handling
Palletiser
Specialised food processing equipment
Popular Equipment:
Used – second hand food processing equipment, that is good quality and made by a reputable manufacturer who produce well known brands is highly sought after in the industry.
Highly sought after equipment including:
- Used Food Mixers
- Used Food Cutters and Slicers
- Used Stainless Steel Food Equipment
- Second Hand Food Packaging Machines
Used Food Mixers:
Spiral Mixers, Planetary Mixers, Stand Mixers, Dough Mixers and Paddle Mixers.
Used Food Cutters and Slicers:
Includes Meat Cutters and Slicers, and also Fruit and Vegetable Cutters and Slicers. Strip Cutters, Dicers, Horizontal Cutters, Used Meat Processing Equipment, Bakery Cutters and Slicers. Bread Slicers. Dough Cutters.
Second Hand Food Packaging Machines:
There are many different types of food packaging machines including:
Primary Packaging Machines:
Flat Sachet Machines, Tray Sealers, Horizontal Flow Wrappers, Vertical Baggers, Check Weighers, Cup Fillers, Tube Fillers, Bag in a Box, Stickpack Machines, Palletising Machines and End Load Cartoners.
Secondary Packaging Machines:
Carton and Tray Erectors, Case Packers, Shrink Wrappers and Labelling Machines.
Speciality Packaging Machines:
Vacuum Sealers, Modified Atmosphere Packaging (MAP) Machines and Blister Packaging Machines.
Used Stainless Steel Food Equipment:
Quality food processing equipment is made from stainless steel. Along with the other popular highly sought after equipment outlined above. Food processors, Cooking Equipment and Storage Solutions are also available in stainless steel.
Where to Buy Used Food Processing Equipment:
Online Market Places
Online market places like Craigs Place and Ebay.
Dealers and Brokers:
Specialist Equipment Dealers and Brokers in the industry. Dealers and Brokers who specialise in this type of equipment who have an established business and who provide some sort of guarantee for example that the equipment that has been checked and tested.
Auctions
Naturally buying from auctions can be the riskiest way of buying equipment. Operating on a sold as is – where is basis. Caveat Emptor let the buyer beware. Meaning that the buyer has no come back, no guarantee or assurances that the equipment and parts are all there or that the equipment even works. The greatest risk, and generally not the greatest gain. If you shop around, you can generally find much better quality solutions for very competitive prices elsewhere.
Factors To Consider When Purchasing Used Food Processing Equipment:
Brand and Model:
When purchasing any type of equipment whether new or pre-owned, used, second-hand. It is very important to buy quality brands of equipment, not low quality equipment. Reputable brands and models known for investing in technology and selling quality products known for longevity.
Testing:
Ensure that second-hand equipment will be tested and checked prior to agreeing to purchase. If possible, always look to purchase equipment that will be independently tested and checked by third party specialist technicians.
Condition:
Look at photos, video or arrange an appointment to view the equipment. This does not have to be an in person appointment, it can just as easily be a virtual appointment. Look at the condition of the equipment. You can also assess the general wear and tear of the equipment by visually inspecting it.
Provided that the pre-owned, second-hand equipment looks good, and that it has been checked and tested independently to verify that it functions correctly and the price is reflective of being at least fair market value and at best good value for money, then you can generally be assured that you are making the right choice with your purchase.
Maintenance and Repairs
Maintenance Tips for Used Food Processing Equipment:
Tips for maintaining the longevity of your pre-owned equipment.:
- Only use the services of a qualified food service technician to install equipment. They will hard wire it correctly at your business premises and ensure that phase rotation is operating correctly.
This is of great importance particularly for machines with pumps and motors. - Operate equipment as per the manufacturers instructions. If you are unable to find user manuals online, then contact the manufacturer to request a user manual or book one of the manufacturers technicians to come onsite to show you and your staff how to use the machine correctly.
- Clean equipment correctly.
- Never overload machines by putting more ingredients in the machine at a time (always follow the manufacturers guidelines and recommendations).
Repairs:
If at a later date, you require repairs or replacement parts, used, second-hand equipment can usually be fixed very easily.
Spare parts can also be purchased second-hand and are often available as compatible parts which are always considerably cheaper than purchasing the same branded parts from the brands manufacturer, resellers and distributors.
Another point to note is that any part can all be replaced. Whether it is a motor, a pump, a board, electrical components such as elements or contactors. If your machine does break down or requires repair at a later date , this can all be easily remedied. A machine that requires repair, should not be disposed of when or if it requires new or replacement parts.
If equipment requires repair further down the track, the buyer would never loose out and would still realise significant cost savings as opposed to purchasing brand new equipment even after taking into account the cost of repair and the replacement parts. Particularly if the buyer shops around and purchases equipment from the right supplier for the best price.
Conclusion:
If you are looking for affordable food processing equipment, then look no further than used food processing equipment. Buying used food processing equipment is a great way to save money whilst still ensuring quality and efficiency at every stage of the food production process.
Check out some Second-hand (2nd) food equipment including: LB Italia Pasta Forming Pasta Filling Ravioli Machine and Commercial Dishwasher Second Hand. Check out our blog for our post: Used Bakery Equipment for Sale.