Surplex is one of Europe’s leading industrial auctioneers and trades worldwide in used machinery and industrial equipment. The 16-language auction platform surplex.com records approx. 50-million-page impressions per year. More than 55,000 industrial goods are sold annually at over 500 online auctions – be it a hand tool or complete production lines. Surplex emphasizes full service from a single source and supports buyers and sellers at every step of an auction. Surplex experts are available to answer any questions, from the evaluation of the machines to payment and shipping.
The company is based in Düsseldorf and has offices in fifteen European countries. More than 200 employees from 20 nations generate an annual turnover of more than 100 million euros.
Interview with Raul Hanganu, Country Manager Romania at Surplex.
Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company? What are the ranges of products?
Raul Hanganu: We sell used machines from a wide range of companies. The focus is on metal and woodworking machines as well as machines from the construction industry, but there are also auctions with special machines, e.g. from medical technology or automotive robots.
E.E: What’s the news about new products? At what stage is the market where you are currently active? What can you tell us about market trends?
R.H: The industry is currently strongly influenced by the geopolitical situation. Raw materials are significantly more expensive and not easily available, and additional logistical problems are hampering production. But not only the production itself of the various industries is affected by the current situation. Machinery manufacturers are also affected. Those who are currently looking for a new machine for their own business must be prepared for higher costs and longer waiting times. Second-hand machines are a very good alternative at this time. These are in good condition and ready for immediate use after arrival at the new location. In this way, businesses can update their own production even in this difficult market situation.
Another trend that is currently emerging is the effort to make production more sustainable. A big point here is the principle of a circular economy. Attention is being paid to producing less waste and giving items a second life. This also includes machines. Instead of simply scrapping them, machines in good condition can be sold. This not only frees up new capital, but also helps companies to make their own operations more climate-friendly.
E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?
R.H: Surplex is currently experiencing an increase in auctions for automotive engineering. Robotics systems – such as welding cells, industrial robots and compact systems – as well as metalworking machines are booming. From cutting machines to CNC milling machines to industrial robots: Automotive manufacturers can find the right machine for them and buy it at auction at good conditions.
E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?
R.H: 2022 is a difficult year for many companies and comes with a shortage of raw materials, logistical problems and rising inflation. Surplex also notices that companies are more hesitant to buy and sell their machines. However, now is the time to trade in used machinery in order to free up capital with a sale and to circumvent the current problems on the machinery market with a purchase. For this reason, Surplex continues to expand its range, specialising in other sectors and extending its reach in Europe.