Machinehandel

Machinehandel refers to the trade in machinery and equipment used in industry and related sectors. The term is used to describe the buying, selling, and brokering of machinery, including new equipment from manufacturers, used or refurbished machines, and the full range of related services such as valuation, financing, logistics, installation, and after-sales support. The machine trade serves manufacturers upgrading capacity, companies seeking to replace or expand equipment, and buyers looking for capital goods at various price points.

Typical product groups include machine tools (lathes, milling machines, CNC centers, grinders), industrial equipment (welders, presses, conveyors), packaging and processing lines, robotics and automation equipment, agricultural machinery, and printing presses. Buyers range from large industrial groups to small workshops, while sellers include original equipment manufacturers, dedicated machine dealers, brokers, and auction houses. Transactions occur through direct sales, dealership networks, online marketplaces, and specialized auctions.

Market dynamics are influenced by manufacturing cycles, investment plans, and global supply chains. Trade is international in scope, with imports and exports of used machinery common. Regulation covers product safety, environmental requirements, and, for cross-border transactions, customs and tax considerations. Valuation, inspection, and warranty are important risk mitigators, as is logistics planning for transport and installation.

Historically, the industry emerged with the growth of machine tool trades in the 19th and 20th centuries and expanded with postwar industrialization. The rise of online marketplaces and auction platforms in the 21st century has broadened access to buyers and sellers worldwide.