Richard King of the AMH Group advises on the savings and purchase of refurbished storage and materials handling equipment. When it comes to updating storage and handling systems, refurbished units can reflect significant savings when compared to purchasing of new units, but it is important to thoroughly check-out what this term means. Has the equipment received a cosmetic finish or has it been virtually remanufactured to replace all moving parts which could be subject to ‘wear and tear’? A bright new coat of paint can hide a multitude of sins!
A demand for quality & reassurance
Richard King, of the AMH Group commented on the refurbish equipment market: “Since commencing business in 1985, providing comprehensive maintenance and installation services for international carriers and distributors, the AMH Group has evolved into a leading UK supplier and integrator of bespoke storage and materials handling systems.
“Therefore, it may be suggested that we are in a fortunate position, where one could assume sourcing second equipment in the market place was easy. However, this isn’t the fact, as it is difficult to locate decent second hand equipment worthy of refurbishment.
“Also, there can be some market scepticism about the words ‘refurbished, used or re-manufactured’ and unfortunately, there can also be a ‘Dell-boy’ perception to this sector! But this shouldn’t put companies off comparing the new and used equipment opportunities.”
Recommendations in Purchasing Reconditioned Equipment
Richard gave a list of recommended questions which should be presented by companies considering buying any refurbished or used equipment.
- What renovation work has been undertaken, covering in particular the moving elements of the unit which are subject to wear. Are these covered by a warranty?
- Has the unit been re-wired to approved standards?
- What safety devices are incorporated on the units and are they functional and comply with the original
- manufacturer’s operational
- standards?
- Can the supplier customise the mechanics of the unit, automated controls or management software in order to meet your exact storage and handling requirements?
- What period of warranty is offered and what items are covered by this document? Check any small print thoroughly!
- Has the supplier any engineering experience and are they geared to providing a prompt and
- professional after sales service?
- Does the supplier offer the opportunity to extend the warranty and service cover?
Once these questions are answered, it should be possible to review the standard of refurbishment and assess what experience and technical capability the supplier has in terms of engineering experience and ability to maintain the equipment long term. The supplier should also be able to validate any work undertaken to recognised quality standards.
AMH recently acquired a selection of used vertical carousels and telescopic boom conveyors that it plans to renovate and totally refurbish to the same high specifications as new machines and these will be offered with a 12 months warranty guarantee. With a dedicated service department, AMH can support long term with spare parts and offer the famous 24/7 back-up service that has become synonymous with the company.
Richard concluded: “As part of AMH’s service, we are also in the unique position to offer customers refurbishment on their existing units, replacing the existing unit with a temporary machine if required until the refurbishment has been carried out and returned.”
AMH have compiled the above questions to provide an informative check-list to support any decision making when considering the purchase of refurbished equipment.
AMH Group
Richard King, Assistant MD
Tel: 01908 648900
Email: info@amhgroup.co.uk
www.amhgroup.co.uk
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