Feature

Try before you buy: Why you should consider hiring machinery

"Science is about knowing; engineering is about doing,” said the American engineer, Henry Petroski. Yet, “doing” is sometimes a challenge for companies investing in new machinery that may carry high initial costs, integration challenges, production disruptions, and more. But what if you could try new equipment before you bought it? Here, Stephen Harding, Managing Director of Gough Engineering, explains how manufacturers can unlock new levels of efficiency by hiring equipment.

31/01/2024 16:02:09

Knowledge is rarely an issue for production managers of sophisticated engineering plants. They are experts in their own manufacturing needs, goals and challenges. However, putting this knowledge into action can run into obstacles, particularly in managing capital expenditures (CAPEX) while also striving for optimal operational performance.

Buying new machinery can pose several challenges. There may be a substantial financial commitment upfront when purchasing new machinery. It can be difficult to predict the long-term returns of machinery – how well the equipment will integrate into the production line, how reliably it will run, and how well the machinery will perform against its time and cost key performance indicators (KPIs). There are also questions of quality and flexibility: how will equipment adapt to industry changes? Choosing the right machinery demands thorough market research, technical evaluations, possible disruptions, and potential training costs for upskilling staff.

How can manufacturers overcome or avoid such risks?

Read the full article in DPA's February issue

Written By Sophia Bell

Sophia Bell is the Group Editor of DPA, Connectivity, and PBSI. She joined the team in 2020 as Assistant Editor after achieving a First-Class Honours BA in English Literature and Film Studies from the University of East Anglia. In her current role, she leads the editorial strategy, driving digital growth and ensuring each title continues to deliver trusted, relevant insight for engineering and manufacturing professionals.