Neeraj Dargan of Manroland India and Rakesh Sodhi of Sodhisons Mechanical Works

According to Neeraj Dargan and Rakesh Sodhi, the highly competitive market with emphasis on ROI coupled with the technical prowess available from European countries in the pre-owned machines is a prime reason to opt for used equipment. Rahul Kumar and Dibyajyoti Sarma speak to the duo to enquire more.

19 Jan 2015 | By Dibyajyoti Sarma & Rahul Kumar

Neeraj Dargan, Manroland India
According to Dargan, the primary reason a printer invests in a pre-owned machinery is ROI. The buyer’s market is getting highly competitive, by the day, forcing customers to find newer ways.
And, among used machines, European machines are in demand due to their quality, build, and residual life. “We sell Manroland Sheetfed and look forward to 2015 with a lot of expectation. I think it will be our comeback year,” says Dargan.
 
While price remains the main driver for pre-owned machines, it comes with a compromise to not be able to get the faster makeready and consistent quality output, which is an important factor. Due to this, the age of pre-owned machines is getting comparatively younger, says Dargan.
In Manroland, Dargan says, history, background check, inspection are all available for the buyers and depending on the buyer’s needs, the company, being the subsidiary of Manroland Sheetfed, Germany, use access to its Indian and factory expertise to fulfil buyers needs.
 
The company’s best practices include long-term value-based services, including installations, customer support, trainings, etc.
 
Rakesh Sodhi, Sodhisons Mechanical Works
For Sodhi, there is a market for pre-owned machines because these European and Japanese machines are of high quality. “Europeans are definitely far ahead in R&D with respect to the need for the future. Their metallurgy is also sturdy. That’s why even a 40-year-old machine is rugged and efficient is like a horse,” says Sodhi.
 
Sodhi too swears by Heidelberg. “It is the best and preferred brand the world over and we have also sold 90% Heidelberg and 10% other brands. The business was very good for us last year and hoping for the same in 2015,” he says.
 
To make sure that pre-owned machines are productive, Sodhi says, he conducts trial runs, inspection and oversees shipment, installation, and financing options as well. “We understand that purchasing a press is a big investment. The unit must meet the highest standards of quality, efficiency and longevity. The used equipment vendor must be held to a similar scrutiny,” he says.
Who buys pre-owned machines? “Medium-scale printers, who cannot afford brand new machine, definitely opt for secondhand kit, as they have to compete in the market,” Sodhi adds.