As 2025 moves into its final stretch, the printing, packaging, and converting markets are experiencing their usual year-end momentum — but with a few notable shifts. Between accelerated plant consolidations, stronger-than-expected buyer activity, and increased momentum in automation projects, November has shaped up to be one of the busiest months of the year.

Here’s a breakdown of the key trends, what we saw across the industry, and what companies should prepare for heading into 2026.

1. Year-End Buyer Activity Surges Across Multiple Categories

November traditionally brings an uptick in used equipment sales as companies finalize budgets and plan capacity for the upcoming year. This year was no exception.

Demand remained strong in:

• Web offset (heatset & coldset)
• Sheetfed presses (Speedmaster, Lithrone, Rapida)
• Digital presses (HP Indigo, Screen Truepress, JetPress)
• Folder-gluers, die cutters, and packaging lines
• Bindery and finishing systems
• Plant support equipment (compressors, chillers, dust collection, forklifts, HVAC)

Many buyers pushed to secure machines before year-end to avoid Q1 price adjustments and project delays due to winter scheduling.

2. Liquidations and Private Sales Increased in November

Plant consolidations spiked in November, especially within commercial print and packaging. While some assets went to public auction, we saw more private treaty sales and controlled liquidations, allowing sellers to maintain flexibility and often achieve better value.

Highlights included:

• Multi-press web offset plants closing single facilities
• Folding carton operations downsizing footprint
• Flexible packaging plants upgrading lines and moving older assets
• Regional printers merging administrative and production sites

For buyers, this means more complete lines entering the market rather than piecemeal equipment.

3. Automation & Controls Modernization Continued to Gain Momentum

Motion control and automation upgrades remained one of the strongest trends of the month. With more equipment aging into a “late-life” phase, the pressure is growing to replace:

• Lenze 9300/9200 drives
• Older Indramat systems
• Siemens Simodrive platforms
• Legacy Windows-based HMIs
• Obsolete PLC platforms (S7-300, early Allen-Bradley systems)

Companies focused on:

• Improving uptime
• Eliminating obsolete components
• Enhancing safety
• Reducing operator error
• Extending equipment lifecycle

Automation projects were especially active in web presses, bindery lines, and packaging equipment.

4. Growing Demand for Packaging & Converting Equipment

November saw significant activity in the packaging segment — particularly flexible packaging and folding carton.

Most requested equipment:

• Bobst die cutters & folder-gluers
• Nordmeccanica laminators
• Comexi presses and coating systems
• Uteco and W&H flexo presses
• Sheeters, slitters, rewinders

Demand continues to grow due to rising consumer packaging volumes and faster turnaround expectations for 2026.

5. Bindery & Finishing Remains a Stable, High-Growth Category

Bindery equipment maintained strong demand as many printers invested in finishing capacity instead of new presses.

• MBO folders (T800, K8RS, B30, B26)
• Polar cutters & programmable guillotines
• Müller Martini stitchers & binders
• Horizon StitchLiner & perfect binders
• RIMA & Gämmerler stackers
• Tecnau & Hunkeler digital finishing lines

Many operations expanded finishing capacity to support hybrid offset/digital workflows and increased short-run demand.

6. Market Outlook for December & Early 2026

Based on trends through November, we anticipate:

• More complete plant assets coming to market in December
• Increased buyer urgency for late-model equipment
• Strong demand for automation and control upgrades
• Higher reliance on private treaty sales alongside auctions
• Continued interest in plant support equipment

Companies planning Q1 projects should begin scheduling inspections, rigging, logistics, and engineering support now to avoid year-end congestion.

Need Equipment or Planning a Sale?

Whether you're looking to acquire, sell, relocate, or modernize equipment, November’s activity shows steady momentum across all segments. If you need help planning a purchase, coordinating a project, or evaluating equipment, our team is here to support you.