If you need textile equipment for your business, two of your biggest decisions will be whether to buy new or used—and just who will be your textile machinery suppliers. The first question is largely one of capital. Do you have a large enough budget to buy new equipment, which may be more technologically advanced? If not, buying quality used textile machinery is your route. It's also wise to buy used if you know you'll need to update your equipment frequently and would prefer to keeps costs lower while doing so.

As you're making your decision, consider the following:

1. Do you need the latest, new textile equipment?
2. Do you require quality used equipment?
3. Do you also need appropriate parts?
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Uncover great sources for new textile equipment

If you need a variety of textile equipment types, try to find one or two large textile equipment dealers who can provide everything you need. Industry organizations often have lists of members that are a tremendous help in this respect.

I recommend: A great place to start is the American Textile Machinery Association website, which has a large list of members, each including contact information and specialities. The International Textile Manufacturers Federation also has a list of members on their website. For the largest textile machinery dealer in the United States, United Textile is the place to look; their website allows you to search for exactly the equipment you need.

Discover terrific sources for used textile equipment

Fortunately, quality second hand textile machinery is relatively easy to find. Unless your needs are small and specialized, it again makes sense to choose larger second hand textile machinery dealers who can provide for all your business needs.

I recommend: Allstates Textile Machinery Inc. sells used equipment for yarn manufacturing, dyeing, finishing, nonwovens, and much more; their website includes a partial list of their offerings. They will also trade textile equipment. Benick Machineworks LLC has an extensive inventory of used textile equipment--and even offers training on how to use it. Atkins Machinery, LLC. is a used textile machinery supplier who works worldwide.

Find textile machinery parts

Whether you buy new or used textile machines, you're likely to need textile equipment parts at some point. Some of the best sources specialize, but there are also good textile machinery dealers who specialize in parts and have a wide range of offerings.

I recommend: Superior Seals & Service offers replacement and reconditioned seals quickly and affordably. Taffer Textile Machinery, Inc. carries a variety of replacement parts, including harness drive units and parts, harness slats, loom parts, gears, and more. Diversified Textile Machinery, Corp. provides parts for a wide variety of textile machinery parts from many different manufacturers.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  It's no surprise that textile recycling is the latest trend. Although your textile equipment may leave very little waste, you can help protect the environment--and make extra profit--by sending that waste to a fabric recycler.