Competitive pressure, rising raw material and energy costs, as well as increasing demands for sustainability, present challenges for companies. At the same time, the need for efficient capital deployment and flexible production technology is growing. In this context, the so-called retrofit – the modernization of used machines – is becoming increasingly important. Retrofit offers an economically attractive and technologically viable solution for companies that want to optimize their production resources without having to invest in completely new machines.
Market opportunities: Profitability and sustainability as drivers
The market for retrofit solutions has gained significant momentum in recent years. One main reason is the substantial cost advantages: a refurbished machine can be up to 50% cheaper than a new purchase—while offering comparable performance. This is particularly interesting for medium-sized companies that need to respond flexibly to market changes without jeopardizing their liquidity.
Another driver is sustainability. The European Union and other international organizations promote resource-efficient operation of industrial facilities. Extending the lifespan of a machine through retrofitting actively contributes to reducing the CO₂ footprint – an increasingly important argument in public and political perception.
In volatile markets – such as the wood or metal processing industry – retrofit offers companies the opportunity to respond quickly and flexibly to new customer requirements without having to go through lengthy investment processes.
Innovation & Technology Use: From Analog to Digital
Modern retrofit projects are no longer limited to the mechanical replacement of wear parts. Instead, digital technologies are specifically integrated to bring machines up to date. This includes:
- CNC controls instead of old relay technology
- Sensors for precise process monitoring
- IoT integration for incorporation into smart factory environments
- Energy-efficient drives to reduce operating costs
A prime example is retrofitting an older machining center with modern visualization and remote monitoring. This not only makes the machine more powerful but also more maintenance-friendly and network-capable – a crucial step towards Industry 4.0.
A successfully executed retrofit can also significantly improve production quality and process reliability. Companies report up to 30% more output while simultaneously reducing scrap rates – and this with machines that were originally ten years old or older.
Retrofitting as part of corporate development
The implementation of a retrofit project requires not only technical know-how but also a strategic perspective. It is best to collaborate with experienced partners who not only carry out the technical modernization but also understand the economic and production-related goals.
“TBS Swiss – Your Partner for Trust, Progress, and Success.”
This motto captures what matters in retrofit projects: trust in the partner's expertise, progress through technological updates, and economic success through targeted investments.
Important aspects of a successful partnership in the retrofit sector are:
- Individual consulting based on the existing machine structure
- Cost-Benefit Analysis
- Integration into existing manufacturing processes
- Training of personnel for the effective use of the modernized facilities
Retrofit is therefore not just a technical project, but a building block of strategic corporate development – especially for companies that want to continue using their existing machines as capital goods instead of writing them off.
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