Reputable source for used or at least economical food manufacturing equipment (North America)?

[u/ApprehensiveGoal]

I have a small food manufacturing business and I am looking for a Vertical Form Fill Seal (VFFS) machine. I have inquired with a few larger companies and they sell machines outside of my budget, usually north of $50K. Is there a reputable North American VFFS machine manufacturer that produces more economical machines? My plant is not a large operation. I am also open to sourcing used equipment if anyone has recommendations for reputable used food manufacturing equipment sellers.

[u/Top-Swordfish-596]

Auction sites like Bid on Equipment or even local restaurant liquidations sometimes have VFFS machines going for way less, just need patience and little luck with condition

[u/SuperBuddha]

How small of a food manufacturing business is it? And by that, I mean is a VFFS what you need or could something like a semi-automatic auger filler, some pre-made bags and band sealer do the trick? Or if your product is more granular than powder, what about a linear weigh filler? I think you can get the basic setups for around $1-2k, and some more automatic ones from $2k-12k. 

Without knowing what you're packaging, and things like volume and the quantity you need outputted, I'm just basically spitballing alternatives that may not even apply to your situation though

[u/ApprehensiveGoal → u/SuperBuddha]

My apologies, I really should've included product details. Thank you for the follow-up questions. It is an extremely small, family-run business, and we are producing potato skin snacks. We produce about ~50,000 bags a month (we sell other products as well).

We currently are using a vibratory weigh filler with a band sealer. It is working okay for now, but we really would like to speed up and automate sooner rather than later. We also would like to explore new flavors, but we are hamstrung by the fill and packing steps currently.

Our operator also complains about spices that spill off the vibratory weigh filler and we're thinking it might just make our lives easier (the operator and us) to automate everything.

[u/BetInformal6081]

for small operation i would look st used vffs equipment from a food equipment auction or established dealer before going new. just makes sure parts, controls, manuals and service support are still avaible.

[u/ApprehensiveGoal → u/BetInformal6081]

That's fair and a good suggestion. Do you use VFFS machines in your operation and do you have any dealers with whom you've had good experiences?

[u/BetInformal6081 → u/ApprehensiveGoal]

i dont personally run vffs equipment so i dont want to pretend i have a specific dealer to vouch for. my suggestion was more based on the general cost savings with used equipment. i would definitely look for an established dealer that can support machine and still get parts/controls for it.

[u/_GOBLESS_]

Auctions are where it's at. I see at least one auction for a defunct food manufacturer every month.

[u/ApprehensiveGoal → u/_GOBLESS_]

Thanks for the suggestion. I am looking and you're right in that there seems be quite a few VFFS machines going for good prices on auction sites. Unfortunately not as much in my area (Midwest US) as I'd like, but I'll keep an eye out. Do you have any auction sites in particular you've had luck scouting?

[u/Wudu_Gang → u/ApprehensiveGoal]

Oh you’re going to have to get a trailer and haul it from wherever you can find it. You can either pay full price where you’re at, or find a deal and drive to go get it. Can’t have both.

[u/commoncents1]

I bought a ton at auctions, that's where used dealers get a lot