For injection molders, the purchase of a new machine represents a very considerable financial investment. Machine prices, however, can vary strongly from manufacturer to manufacturer depending on machine size, drive and a host of other factors, all of which influence a molder's purchase decision. Product life cycles are becoming shorter, which means that molders are changing the way they approach their investment decisions.
Recognizing the changes in the market, KraussMaffei last year launched a new business model — Rent-It — through its recently acquired second-hand machinery specialist Gindumac.
Founded in 2017, CMJ Kunststofftechnik is a young injection molding company in Freyung, Germany that decided to go for the new leasing option. The company had its eye on the new all-electric PX 80-380 injection molding machine with a clamping force of 800 kN to replace an old hydraulic injection press. Leasing offered the company the "prospect of a machine that is always state-of-the-art, more flexibility in production and reliable financial planning."
The company entered into a contract initially for three years, after which the contract can be extended. CMJ can also decide to keep the machine or conclude a Rent-it contract for a new machine. This allows the company to a keep pace with the newest developments, said Christoph Eder, founder and managing director of CMJ, and to "offer our customers the best production opportunities on affordable terms." The flexibility offered by the Rent-it option was decisive.
"We often receive orders with order lead times of just a few years. If we purchase a new machine for this purpose, we must then utilize it to its full capacity. With the Rent-it model, we can flexibly hire the production capacity only for the required period," Eder said.
The Rent-It program is not yet offered in North America.
The lease arrangement is based on the life cycle concept. In other words, the package for the PX 80 includes warranties and services such as maintenance and spare parts replacement. Ideally speaking, therefore, everything is covered under the monthly leasing fees which are therefore calculable fixed costs for the user.
KraussMaffei offers two different leasing schemes to interested customers. Returned leased machines will be resold via Gindumac's global internet platform for used machines.
