A competitive purchase price matters when you are investing in machinery. But the figure at the bottom of a quotation only tells part of the story. The right machine also needs to produce your components, fit your workshop and remain supported throughout its working life.

A lower-priced machine can be the right choice when it meets those requirements. Problems arise when a saving at purchase is outweighed by missing equipment, avoidable production work or support that falls short of what the business needs.

At Selmach, we believe value starts with understanding the application and being clear about the complete package. Our experience in machinery supply helps us ask the questions that turn an initial enquiry into a practical proposal.

Selmach experience built on earlier machinery sales

Selmach Machinery was established in 2008, building on years of machinery sales through Selkent before the Selmach name was introduced and spun off as a separate corporate entity. Our involvement in machinery therefore began well before 2008, with experience of helping customers select equipment for their workshops stemming back to our director Hugh Bushnell selling Belt Grinders from the boot of his car.

That background shapes how we approach enquiries today. We want to understand what you manufacture, how you currently produce it and what a new machine needs to improve. Sometimes the priority is additional capacity; elsewhere it is easier setup, more consistent output or a better way to handle the component.

Established brands and long standing relationships

Our experience also comes from working with established machinery brands over many years. Their manufacturing heritage and our own history in machinery supply are distinct, but both contribute to the knowledge we bring to customer enquiries.

Morgan Rushworth’s roots reach back to Rushworth & Co in 1872 and A.J. Morgan & Sons in 1906, with the two businesses coming together in 1972. Today, the brand covers a broad range of sheet-metal and fabrication machinery. Our article Celebrating 150 years of Morgan Rushworth explores that history in more detail.

Bianco brings its own Italian bandsaw manufacturing heritage, dating to 1982. Our supply relationship with Bianco began in 1997, before Selmach was established under its current name, and has continued for nearly three decades. Read more about our long-standing relationship with Bianco bandsaws.

These relationships give us familiarity with the machinery and the questions that arise during selection and ownership. That experience is useful when discussing a suitable specification, tooling or ongoing support, while the quoted machine and service package should still be assessed on their own merits.

Compare what each quotation includes

Two machines described with the same capacity may arrive with different tooling, controls, accessories and services. Before comparing prices, establish exactly what you would receive and what you would need to add.

For a press brake, for example, bending force and working length are only the starting point. Backgauge movements, tooling coverage, clamping, crowning, software and component support can all affect the jobs the machine can complete and the work involved in changing between them.

Ask each supplier to identify the included equipment, selected options and exclusions. Discuss delivery, installation, commissioning and training, along with any electrical, foundation or access requirements at your premises. A clear quotation makes differences easier to assess before you commit.

See the machine working on relevant components

A demonstration is most useful when it represents your production. Bring drawings, material details and the features that make a component difficult, whether that is a tight return, a cosmetic surface or an awkward handling requirement.

Look beyond the machine movement itself. Consider preparation, tool changes, loading, inspection and any corrections needed to produce an accepted part. For repeat orders, ask how the approved job is stored and recalled.

We can discuss a showroom visit and the machines available to demonstrate. Agree the application and demonstration scope beforehand so the visit answers the questions that matter to your investment.

Consider support alongside the specification

The relationship with a machinery supplier continues after delivery. Operator questions, maintenance, replacement parts and technical assistance all influence the ownership experience.

Ask how support is arranged, what training is included and which warranty terms apply to the quoted machine. Establish the maintenance requirements and discuss the availability of relevant parts and consumables.

Selmach provides service support and offers service plans. The applicable scope, exclusions and response arrangements should be confirmed for your equipment and chosen agreement. Clear expectations are more useful than a general promise that every problem will be resolved immediately.

Assess the cost of the work you need to produce

A machine that saves setup time or reduces rework may justify a higher initial investment, but the improvement needs to be relevant to your workload. Equally, paying for functions you will rarely use may add little value.

Compare the expected output, operator time, maintenance, energy and tooling costs using your own production information. Check whether additional capacity can actually be used, and distinguish a direct cash saving from time released for other work.

The aim is to choose equipment that does the required job well and offers an appropriate support package. Price remains part of that decision, alongside the cost and practicality of producing accepted components over time.

Talk to Selmach about your next machinery investment

Whether you are selecting a press brake, replacing an existing machine or planning a new workshop process, we can help you examine the available options and the scope of the proposed package.

Tell us about your materials, components, production volumes and current limitations. We can discuss a suitable machine, relevant demonstrations and the services needed to get it working in your business.

Call +44 (0)1432 346 580, email [email protected], or contact Selmach online to discuss your requirements.

This article was updated on 21st October 2026

Published 25th July 2018