The machinery auction scene in Ireland has seen some drama over the past few years – with shifts in personnel between the main players and the appearance of new names.

This process took another step forward earlier this year with the announcement that the use of the facilities of Ganly Craigie (2000) Ltd has been acquired by a new company – Irish Machinery Auctions Ltd – which is continuing with the business and has every intention of growing it.

At the helm

Irish Machinery Auctions is headed up by Dean Reid. Dean has acquired many years of machinery sales experience with other equipment auction firms.

The recently-formed company will operate from the same premises as Ganley Craigie (2000) Ltd – at the M7 Motorpark, Naas (Co. Kildare). Its fellow auctioneer – Merlin Car Auctions Ltd – is a separate company operating from a neighbouring site.

Ganley Cragie has long been known for its regular plant and machinery sales; auctions will continue to be held at the Naas site with the first such event (under a new banner) taking place on Saturday, March 10, at 10:00am.

500 or 600 lots

It is expected to attract up to 500 or 600 lots – including tractors and implements.

Dean explained:

It’s a new company; but, we’ve taken over Ganly Craigie’s premises and brought in my team. It’s all very exciting.

The group includes: Steve Joyce and Lisa Costello – who are both well known in the auction trade. Altogether, they have over 50 years of experience of machinery auctions and are known not just in Ireland; but, in the UK and further afield.

In addition to regular sales of contemporary plant and commercial vehicles, the company intends to enlarge the agricultural machinery sales side of the business. It is also looking to enter the vintage and classic sales scene.

Construction plant and farm machinery will be sold together until they have sufficient lots of each to hold separate auctions. Events dedicated to older machines (for enthusiasts) are on the cards; but, are unlikely to happen this year.

In addition to the auctions, the company will offer corporate services including: valuations; stocktaking; and advice on the recovery and disposal of assets across a range of industries.

Dean believes that there is a strong demand from the trade for a “clear and transparent” sales process – especially where disposal of government-owned assets is concerned.

However, he also notes that companies can benefit from the clarity and speed of public auctions.

‘Quick and effortless’

They offer a “quick and effortless” method of sale, allowing sellers to concentrate on running their own business – free from the challenge of dealing with “tyre tickers and time wasters” (a potential downside of some of the various online classified sales sites).

The availability of credit (or lack of it) for new machines has affected the used equipment market in Ireland. As such, the intention of the company to attract buyers from Europe would be a strong enticement for sellers to dispose of surplus equipment via the auction route.

“Eastern Europe still has a culture of fixing and repairing old equipment,” Dean noted. He says that Irish Machinery Auctions will be spending a good deal of its marketing budget on bringing its sales to the attention of continental buyers.

Meanwhile, back here in Ireland, the company will reach out to both dealers and private individuals in a bid to attract trade-ins, or other items that are surplus to requirements.

“We offer a speedy sales service from one spot on a regular basis,” said Dean.

Everything is ‘sold as seen’ and we have a good audience of buyers from the UK and beyond.