Why should you refurbish conveyors rather than replace them?

1. Cost-effective without compromising performance

One of the biggest advantages of refurbishment is the potential cost savings. Refurbishing existing conveyors typically requires a much smaller investment than purchasing and installing new equipment. You retain the structure of the system while upgrading key components like motors, bearings, belts, sensors, slats and controls etc. This helps restore performance and extend equipment life without the expense of a full replacement.

2. Less disruption to your operations

Refurbishment can often be completed with minimal downtime. Rather than needing to decommission and remove an entire system, many refurbishments can be phased or carried out during quieter operational periods. This means less disruption to your workflows and reduced risk to your service levels, a crucial consideration in busy, high-demand environments.

3. Environmental benefits

Extending the life of existing equipment aligns well with sustainability goals. Refurbishment reduces the need for new materials, reduces waste, and lessens the environmental footprint of manufacturing and delivery of new equipment. It’s a responsible choice that supports both your business and the planet.

4. Flexibility to phase work in stages

Refurbishment doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing. At CSL, we often phase refurbishment projects to align with maintenance windows or planned shutdowns, enabling you to upgrade your system gradually while continuing operations. This flexibility is a major advantage over a full system replacement, which usually requires a larger, more immediate disruption.

When should I replace my conveyors and automation equipment?

That said, refurbishment isn’t always the most suitable option. If equipment is damaged beyond the point of repair, if performance requirements have significantly changed, or if compliance standards can’t be met with your current systems, replacement may be the better long-term solution. At CSL, we’ll always give you an honest assessment — and if we don’t consider refurbishment viable, we’ll recommend replacement and guide you through that process.