Pontypridd-based precision toolmakers FSG Tool and Die, is now the proud possessor of a large 1300 x 700mm capacity, Proth surface grinding machine, successfully purchased at an internet auction.

Pontypridd-based precision toolmakers FSG Tool and Die, is now the proud possessor of a large 1300 x 700mm capacity, Proth surface grinding machine, successfully purchased at an internet auction. Operations Director, David Jones, takes up the story; 'We had never participated in an internet auction before, and I have to admit we went into it with a bit of trepidation. It is our policy for what we term our 'primary equipment' to purchase from new, but for support machines it sometimes makes economic sense to make exceptions.

In the case of the Proth we were looking to replace an existing machine, so we knew exactly what we wanted and had the space already allocated, so we made a judgment call, that, in this instance, the internet could offer a good purchasing method.' Having learnt that a suitable machine was for sale, FSG made enquiries both from the auctioneers and from other sources about its age and condition of the machine, before bidding.

It would have been possible to view the machine before the auction, but in this particular case the company did not think that was necessary as all reports were very favourable.

The auction process itself was very simple, with the winning bidders being informed by email within minutes of their success, after which they had one week to arrange collection of the machine.

In this case the auction house had its own logistics department which arranged for delivery and positioning of the machine at FSG's location - where it was hard at work grinding the next day.

David Jones concludes; 'The internet auction experience has been very positive and we would certainly consider using it again for appropriate items of equipment.'