Skip to content

News archive

The world of online auctions: Opportunities and challenges in the digital age. (© Mr. M. Nobody /Shutterstock.com).

10 challenges for auction houses in the digital age

Auction houses have a tradition spanning several centuries. In recent decades, they have undergone a digital transformation, expanding their reach globally. However, this has also brought numerous challenges, particularly in meeting the ever-growing demands and needs of customers.
What do customers expect from an auction house? Surplex asked itself the same question and conducted a survey among

Many different tasks arise during factory closures. From personnel issues to warehouse clearance, they have to be sorted out. (© Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com).

Factory Closures and Used Machinery: How Businesses Can Free Up Budget

Closing a factory is more than just an economic decision - it has far-reaching social and financial implications. How selling used machinery can not only free up budget, but should also be part of a comprehensive strategy to address this complex challenge.
Factory closures are a serious challenge for companies and employees alike and can be necessary for a variety of reasons. Often it is econom

In the automotive sector, almost 140,000 new robot units were installed worldwide in 2022 – an 14% increase.  (© Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com).

From Europe to Asia: global trends, supply chains and the role of used industrial robots

The robotics industry is experiencing sustained growth worldwide, with China in the lead. Germany ranks fourth. Pandemic-induced supply chain bottlenecks for established manufacturers are leading to a slow clearing of full order books – one of the reasons why Chinese robot manufacturers are in higher demand than ever before. Another option is purchasing used units.
The World Robotics Report rec

With proper maintenance, used machines can also have a long life in a new operation.  (© Pressmaster/Shutterstock.com).

Breathing New Life into Used Machines: A Guide to Smart Ownership and Maintenance

Affordable, immediately operational, and eco-friendly. Used machines provide an ideal addition for industrial operations. How can they be optimally utilized, maintained, and traded? And why it's important to rely on professionals from the get-go.
The used machinery market is booming. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value in buying and selling pre-owned equipment. Instead of sending m

HUD technology in the car: an advance in driver information that provides greater safety and keeps your eyes on the road. (© MONOPOLY919/Shutterstock.com).

From the cockpit into the car: the technology behind head-up displays

The technology of head-up displays (HUDs) originated in aviation and is now mainly used in cars. Through the interaction of imaging unit, optics module and projection surface, important information is projected directly into the driver’s field of vision. How does this work exactly? And how are the individual components manufactured?
A head-up display (HUD) is a display projected into the user’s

Whether orange or yellow: Used excavators and construction machinery can be found at the industrial auction house Surplex. (© Surplex).

Myth or reality: Why are all excavators yellow?

Most manufacturers colour their construction equipment yellow. Over three-quarters of all excavators worldwide wear this colour. But why? The reasons range from safety concerns to historical developments, all the way to deeply ingrained cultural and psychological associations.
Imagine you have a pack of crayons, and someone asks you to draw an excavator. What colour would it wear? Most likely,

Value stream mapping in action: A tool in lean management with which the inventory and processes of a production are described. This is the basis for more efficiency and optimisation. (© Amorn Suriyan / Shutterstock.com).

The role of used machinery in Lean Management

Lean Management is especially important in turbulent economic times as it boosts a company’s efficiency and competitiveness through process optimisation. Used machinery can also play a role in this strategy, offering a cost-effective way to promptly address production bottlenecks and optimise the machinery pool.
In economically turbulent times, one corporate strategy comes into particular focus

Personal advice and a quick conclusion of the sale - used machinery in direct purchase  (©Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock.com).

Fixed prices and comprehensive advice: direct sales in the used machinery market

Used machinery offers a viable alternative to new purchases, especially in an economy troubled by inflation and supply chain disruptions. But the market is large. When buying a high-quality machine directly, it is best to work with professionals.
Purchasing used machinery is an affordable and practical solution to remain competitive in today's fiercely contested market. Prices for used machines

From the initial idea to the finished race car: In Formula 1, vehicles are continuously developed and optimized. (© jamesteohart / Shutterstock.com).

From concept to racetrack: Which machines assist in upgrading a Formula 1 car?

Technology, skill, and speed - that's the fascinating world of Formula 1. How is a Formula 1 car developed from the initial concept to the racetrack? And which high-tech machines enable this process? Four of these high-end machining centers are currently up for sale on Surplex.com.
Formula 1 captivates millions of viewers worldwide. But behind this spectacle of speed and precision lies a profou

The Earth Overshoot Day in industrialised countries is much earlier than in less developed countries. With #PowerOfPossibility, industry can also make its sustainability contribution. (© Thungphoto / Shutterstock.com).

Earth overshoot Day: Over 25,000 tons of CO2 saved through the trade of used machinery

2nd August 2023 is this year’s Earth Overshoot Day. Through the global trade of used machinery on Surplex.com, more than 25,000 tons of CO2 were saved last year, which pushes back the Earth Overshoot Day by more than 11.5 seconds. Because a globally networked market for used machinery acts as a circular economy for production resources and thus contributes to a sustainable future.
The Earth Ove

Where agriculture and construction machinery meet: The tractor (here a Kubota M5111 LP) is probably the most widespread machine in agribusiness. In 2021, almost 150,000 of these agricultural tractors were newly registered across Europe. (© Surplex).

Excavators meet agriculture: more than just tractors

Agriculture is essential for our society but faces numerous challenges such as climate change and market volatility. Key agricultural equipment, such as tractors and excavators, are indispensable and enable a wide range of work on the farm. On possible areas of application for excavators in agriculture and how used machines offer a cost-efficient solution ...
Agriculture is the backbone of our

The term printed in printed circuit boards (PCB) originates from the early days, when conductive traces were etched using paper stencils – very similar to printing technology. Today, photochemistry is used. (©Dmitry Morgan/Shutterstock.com).

The key role of printed circuit boards in modern electronics

Printed circuit boards (PCBs) are the basis of modern electronics. Their manufacture is a complex process that requires high flexibility, precision and cost efficiency. The world market is fiercely competitive and, as a result, equipment enters the used machinery market following factory closures. Used production machinery can provide a cost-effective solution to expand capacities and remain compe

Show more

Used machines for your success

Surplex has been one of Europe’s leading industrial auction houses for 25 years and trades worldwide in used machines and factory equipment. The 18-language auction platform Surplex.com has over 125,000 registered customers. The company is based in Düsseldorf and has offices in many European countries, including Spain, Italy, and CEE. More than 200 provide a full service in 20 languages.
Surplex became part of TBAuctions in August 2024, Europe’s leading multi-brand (Troostwijk Auctions, Klaravik, Auksjonen, PS Auction, British Medical Auctions, Vavato, and Auktionshuset dab), digital auction platform for B2B used goods. The TBAuctions group reach nearly 200 million annual site visits, sell over 1.6 million assets, receiving bids from 750k bidders in 175 countries, generating hammersales of more than €1.6 billion, and employing nearly 1,200 team members.