Packaging equipment has a significant impact on your production line.

By maintaining these machines and keeping them working at peak productivity, you can streamline your processes, reduce downtime, save on overhead costs, and improve efficiency.

At the same time, however well you maintain this equipment, it will eventually start to have problems. It may miss quotas, make packaging mistakes, or wear down over time—which means a loss in productivity and revenue.

To get your production line back on track, you have to make a change.

You may think that the only solution is to purchase a new packaging machine to replace the ineffective model, and in some cases, it may be the best option. However, other alternatives, such as repairing or refurbishing the machine, are available and might be a better fit for your facility.

Repairing vs. Refurbishing vs. Replacing Packaging Equipment

When your packaging equipment breaks down, falls behind schedule, or fails to meet your production quota, you have three options: repair the broken parts, refurbish the machine, or replace the equipment with an updated model.

1.Repairs for Packaging Equipment

Repairing the packaging machine is often the quickest and most affordable option. Equipment in good condition that just needs a few broken parts replaced can often be fixed with minimal downtime, and you often only have to pay for the replacement parts as well as the service fee.

One of the benefits of repairs for packaging equipment is that your employees already know how to use the machine. There’s no need to spend time training them on how to operate new equipment or build new processes.

However, the cost of repairs can vary based on the age of your packaging machine as well as the availability of needed parts. Older machines require repairs more frequently, and it’s more difficult to find replacement parts. Over time, these added expenditures can add up to more than the price of a new or refurbished machine.

2. Refurbished Packaging Equipment

Refurbishing packaging equipment is the process of updating the entire unit. This option is ideal for situations in which you want to improve your machines but not invest in a replacement.

The refurbishment process is more expensive than repairing equipment but more affordable than replacing the machine with a new model. Additionally, by upgrading your packaging machinery, the equipment will often run more accurately, efficiently, and quickly, leading to additional savings in the long run.

If your packaging machines make errors or you want to enhance the production of your current equipment, refurbishment is a viable option.

3. Replace Packaging Equipment with an Updated Model

While repairing or refurbishing your packaging machines are important options to keep in mind, there are times when replacing the equipment with an updated model is necessary.

Buying a new machine can be expensive, lead to increased downtime, and require additional resources to train employees on the unfamiliar equipment. However, despite these downsides, new machines have a variety of benefits.

New packaging equipment has drastically lower maintenance costs and a lower likelihood of needing repairs compared to older machines. You can more easily access replacement parts if needed, reducing maintenance and repair costs. Additionally, newer packaging machines offer the latest packaging technology, which means you can use newer materials and techniques that are popularized in your industry.

Another thing to keep in mind is that new packaging machines allow for increased productivity. Modern equipment works more efficiently and at higher production speeds than older models.

How to Decide Which Option Is Best for Your Production Line

You know that you need to make a change in your current packaging equipment. How do you decide whether to repair, refurbish, or replace your machinery?

There are many factors to consider before making this decision. Start by answering these questions to determine what option is the best fit for your production line.

How Old Is Your Machine?

Consider the age of your packaging machines. Packaging equipment that is more than 10–15 years old can’t compete with the speed, efficiency, and versatility of newer or refurbished models. Additionally, it is more difficult to find replacement parts for older machines.

What Are Your Current Maintenance Costs?

A machine that requires frequent repairs can be costly. Over time, these maintenance costs add up. There is a point when it is more cost-efficient to update the equipment or buy a new model instead of continuing to invest in repairs.

How Much Downtime Do You Experience Due to Equipment Maintenance?

Routine maintenance is inevitable for all packaging machines, even the latest and greatest models. However, if you are dedicating a significant amount of downtime to repairing the machine or because of other maintenance-related issues, it may be time to consider pivoting your resources toward the initial costs of refurbishment or replacement.

Are Replacement Parts Readily Available?

Even if your packaging machine is working at peak productivity, it will eventually have parts that break and need to be replaced. But after a decade or more, the manufacturing company may have discontinued those parts.

If the parts you need to fix the machine are impossible to find or expensive to purchase, it could be devastating to your production line.

Can Your Packaging Machine Adapt to Current Trends?

Current packaging trends—like new materials or techniques—are often popular because they are more cost-efficient and can lead to increased revenues. However, your packaging machine may not be able to handle the newer materials, which limits your ability to stay competitive in your industry. By replacing your old machine with a new model or by refurbishing your equipment to align with current trends, you can take advantage of these cost savings.

Buy New or Used Packaging Machinery and Equipment at HP Packaging

At HP Packaging, we sell new and used packaging machinery and equipment for a wide variety of industries. Our top-notch packaging products have been repaired, refurbished, or reconditioned by the highly trained experts on our team, and our machines are ready to contribute to your production line.

As a leader in the used packaging equipment industry, we are proud to offer used packaging machines in a wide variety of categories, types, and styles. Whether you want to replace a machine on your production floor or expand your current production capabilities, HP Packaging can help you find the best packaging machine for your business.

View our packaging products or contact us today to learn more about your options for buying used packaging equipment.