Industrial machinery is one of the most complex categories to import — especially second-hand equipment. But for packaging companies, the savings on a used corrugated production line can justify the complexity many times over.
Why China?
Chinese factories frequently upgrade their production lines, releasing high-quality used machinery at 20–40% of new prices. Many of these lines are only 5–8 years old and have decades of useful life remaining.
What to inspect
- Main drive motors and gearboxes (check for vibration and heat)
- Heating elements on corrugating rolls
- PLC control systems (verify software version compatibility)
- Knife section wear
- Overall frame alignment
Logistics considerations
Full corrugated production lines typically require OOG (Out of Gauge) ocean freight with flat-rack or open-top containers. Permit requirements vary by country.
Aurora Trading's process
We inspect all used machinery in person, provide video walkthroughs, test the lines under load where possible, and coordinate full dismantling, packing, and OOG freight to your factory floor.
New vs Used Corrugated Line: Cost Comparison
Understanding the total cost difference helps justify the added complexity of sourcing used equipment.
- New 2.5m wide, 3-layer single facer + double backer: USD 180,000–320,000 ex-factory China
- Used 2.5m equivalent (5–8 years old): USD 45,000–90,000 depending on condition and brand
- New 1.4m single facer (entry-level): USD 60,000–100,000
- Refurbished 1.4m: USD 15,000–35,000 with inspection certificate
- OOG freight to Middle East or Africa (full line): USD 8,000–18,000 depending on destination port
Corrugated Machinery Inspection Checklist
Before committing to any used corrugated line purchase, require documentation and inspection on these critical points:
- Corrugating roll condition: Measure flute geometry with profile gauges. Worn rolls produce inconsistent fluting and cannot be economically repaired.
- Single facer pressure roll: Uneven pressure causes bond failures. Test under production load with sample fluting material.
- Slitter-scorer blade wear: Replacement blades are relatively inexpensive; worn-out blade holders are not. Inspect for excessive play.
- PLC and control panel: Verify that spare parts and replacement boards are available for the specific PLC model installed. Obsolete Siemens or Allen-Bradley models can create long-term maintenance headaches.
- Electrical system: Confirm voltage compatibility with your country (380V 3-phase is standard in China; 415V or 460V conversions are common and feasible).
Common Questions About Corrugated Machinery from China
How long does it take to receive used machinery from China? After purchase and inspection, dismantling and loading takes 3–5 weeks. OOG ocean freight to the Middle East is 22–30 days; to East Africa, 25–35 days. Allow 8–12 weeks total from purchase to installation.
Can you source specific brands (BHS, FOSBER, ISOWA)? Yes. European and Japanese brand equipment is available from Chinese factories upgrading to newer models. These command a significant premium over Chinese OEM equipment but offer better parts availability globally.
What warranty does Aurora Trading offer on used machinery? We inspect and test all used lines before shipping. We cannot offer a manufacturer warranty, but we can arrange for factory engineers to supervise installation and conduct initial commissioning at the buyer's facility.
Ready to Source from China?
Aurora Trading has been helping importers across the Middle East, Africa, and Europe source products from verified Chinese manufacturers since 2011. Our bilingual team in Guangzhou handles sourcing, quality inspection, and logistics end-to-end.
Get a free quote within 24 hours — contact us today or send us a message.