I just came back from my 7thK show, My fourth as an exhibitor, the prior three I had the pleasure to be a prospective buyer. My Father and Uncle did the trip for 15 years before me and bought some of the first Reifenhauser corrugators to come into North America just after ADS had started in the US.
So ,what have I noticed after the past 21 years going to the K?
If you are looking to buy a machine that makes corrugated pipe, the mechanical technology hasn’t changed much. You have vertically oriented corrugators, and horizontal table top styles. These two designs can be dated back to Fraenkishe making the design in the table top horizontal configuration and then Reifenhauser, making the first vettically oriented machine.
Each has particular benefits in certain customer situations. You can also make this comparison about air cooled Vs. water cooled, both work, and work well if the proper climate exists, or the investment to make the proper climate is made by the customer.
This is also the challenge about how long a corrugator you buy? Should you buy a machine that is set up for 5 years down the road in output? A much bigger investment, or should you start with a lower capacity machine with the ability to extend in the future? Why not ask this to the guys who are trying to sell you their great technology? What is the upgrade potential? Let them help you make the money to buy the fastest technology.
So, come back in a couple weeks, I’ll have a few more points on what you need to be looking for if you’re ready to buy a corrugator. As a point to all, you should be doing a credit check on all the corrugator suppliers before you give them any of your money! Rumours are rampant in the industry about one of the majors running out of cash.
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