Koenig & Bauer AG
Friedrich-Koenig-Straße 4
97080 Würzburg
Germany
Koenig & Bauer, usually shortened to KBA, is one of the world's oldest printing press manufacturers, and used KBA machines are mainly sheetfed and web offset presses that come from production changes, relocations or plant closures. They are used for commercial printing, packaging, labels, folding cartons and speciality applications. Because they are available immediately, printers can react quickly to new orders at a fraction of the cost of a comparable new press.
The key points are format, number of printing units and features such as coating units, perfecting or dryers, which have to match your job mix. Just as important are the maintenance history, running hours and the condition of rollers, cylinders, bearings and the control system. Asset-Trade inspects every machine in several stages with functional tests, provides a free machine appraisal and arranges an on-site inspection with a demonstration.
There is no sensible flat-rate figure, because the price depends on format, number of colours, year of manufacture, equipment and condition. Used KBA presses typically sell for 40–70% less than comparable new machines. After the appraisal you receive an individual quotation from Asset-Trade that shows the machine, shipping and commissioning costs transparently.
Asset-Trade uses a multi-stage inspection that includes functional tests of the units, the inking and dampening systems and the control technology. During an on-site inspection and demonstration, buyers can view the machine under production conditions and assess test prints. The findings and the condition of the press are documented so that you have a solid basis for your decision.
Asset-Trade handles worldwide shipping and export, including dismantling, professional packing, container loading and the required export and customs documents. A dedicated project manager guides you through the 7-step purchase process from the initial enquiry to handover. Dates, shipping route and local contacts are agreed with your team in advance.
Typical mistakes are comparing prices only, overlooking wear on rollers and control systems, and underestimating the cost of dismantling, transport, power supply and commissioning. So check format, equipment and spare-part availability in advance and ask to see the press running. After the purchase, a dedicated project manager remains your contact at Asset-Trade and coordinates delivery and installation.
