October brought a noticeable shift across the printing, packaging, and converting markets. Demand for late-model used equipment remains strong, especially as many companies focus on cost control, smarter automation, and incremental upgrades rather than major capital spending. Here’s a quick look at what stood out this month and what it means for buyers and sellers heading into Q4.

1. Strong Demand for Web Offset & Packaging Equipment

This fall, we saw continued interest in web offset systems, particularly 38" and 22.75" cutoffs, as printers look to expand capacity without committing to the cost of new platforms. On the packaging side, folder-gluers, die cutters, laminators, coating lines, and flexo lines remain hot items, with many plants planning 2026 upgrades now.

What this means for buyers

Inventory is moving quickly. If you see a line or press that fits your needs, it’s important to move fast on inspections, due diligence, and scheduling. Delays can easily mean missing out on the right machine.

What sellers should know

Well-maintained assets are commanding strong pricing, especially complete lines with good documentation and recent maintenance history. If you’re considering a sale or consolidation, Q4 and early Q1 are typically active windows for serious buyers.

2. Controls & Automation Upgrades Are Driving ROI

Many facilities are moving away from obsolete controls — older drive platforms, legacy PLCs, and Windows-based HMIs — and replacing them with modern systems. The reason is simple:

• Less unplanned downtime
• Better spare-parts availability
• Improved diagnostics and remote support
• More flexibility for future upgrades

Motion-control retrofits, drive conversions, and PLC/HMI upgrades have quickly become some of the most cost-effective ways to modernize a press or production line without replacing the entire machine. Plants that invest in controls now are often doing it to buy another 5–10 years of stable production from proven equipment.

3. Plant Liquidations Continue Across North America

Several facilities in commercial print, folding carton, and flexible packaging announced consolidations or restructuring in October. That has created opportunities for buyers to secure:

• Web offset presses
• Sheetfed offset presses
• Folder-gluers and die cutters
• Finishing and bindery equipment
• Flexo and packaging lines
• Plant support equipment (compressors, chillers, forklifts, HVAC, etc.)

We’re also seeing more private sales and controlled liquidations rather than only public auctions. That gives both buyers and sellers a bit more flexibility on timing, inspections, and removal planning.

4. Bindery & Finishing Equipment Is a Bright Spot

Demand for bindery and finishing equipment remains steady and, in some segments, growing. The most requested items continue to be:

• MBO folders (B26/B30, T800, K8RS and similar)
• Polar cutters and other programmable guillotines
• Müller Martini and Horizon stitchers and perfect binders
• Three-knife trimmers and inline trimming systems
• Stackers, conveyors, and palletizing solutions

Digital finishing lines — especially roll-to-roll and nearline systems from Tecnau and Hunkeler — are also in high demand as more printers add hybrid workflows that combine offset and digital production.

5. Market Outlook for Late Q4 2025

As we head toward year-end, we expect to see:

• More equipment coming to market from consolidations and plant moves
• Strong buyer activity for late-model, well-documented assets
• Continued interest in automation and controls modernization
• Increased use of private treaty sales alongside auctions
• Ongoing demand for plant support equipment and utilities

If you're planning a purchase or considering selling before 2026, now is the time to start conversations. Lead times for inspections, decommissioning, rigging, and freight tighten up quickly around the holidays, and planning ahead usually means lower stress and better project outcomes.

Need Equipment? Selling a Line or a Full Plant?

Whether you're looking for a web press, sheetfed press, digital press, binder, packaging line, or you're planning a plant consolidation, it helps to have a team that understands both the machinery and the project side.

If you'd like to talk through equipment options, valuations, inspections, or project timelines for Q4 and early 2026, we're here to help. Reach out with a brief description of your needs, and we can recommend next steps.