Page 14 • January 28 - February 24, 2017 • www.cegltd.com • 2017 Florida Auction Special • Construction Equipment Guide
Auction Company Executives Discuss Industry Issues
Heavy equipment auction companies have high hopes for this year’s Florida sales event.
By Giles Lambertson CEG CORRESPONDENT
Heavy equipment auction companies have high hopes for this year’s Florida sales event. Market and political climates seem as favorable to them as February temperatures in Orlando, even though a few clouds on the horizon threaten to disrupt things. IronPlanet President Jeff Jeter’s upbeat outlook stems from a “nice bump in pricing for used equipment” during the post-election period, which he expects to translate into good Florida sales. The “bump” reflects popular sentiment that a new administration will pursue policies that benefit the heavy equipment and construction communities. “There is a lot of enthusiasm, whether a Cat dealer, a contractor or a large construc-
tion company. It has to play out, of course.” In the meantime, IronPlanet executives and sales representatives were rushing around in early January to prepare for the company’s five-day Kissimmee auction, Feb. 13 to 17. New York-based Alex Lyon & Son has nine days blocked in for Kissimmee sales — Jan. 28 to Feb. 5. Jack Lyon, owner of Alex Lyon & Son, shares Jeter’s optimism, and for pretty much the same reason. “We think the Kissimmee auction this year will be one of the bigger ones because the world seems to be in a better place. It doesn’t matter whether you are Republican or Democrat, we wanted a serious change and we have it. Now, can Washington solve all the problems? No, but they are on the right track and more people believe so than
not. Everyone’s in a better mood.” Canada-headquartered Ritchie Bros. is headed to Orlando for five days beginning Feb. 20 and with a similarly sunny outlook. “Since the end of the U.S. election and as a result of the president-elect’s comments about increased infrastructure spending, many of our customers have spoken with us about their optimism for the coming year,” said Jake Lawson, senior vice president. To keep that pot boiling, Ritchie has sent out more than 115,000 brochures and a million-plus e-mails and other materials promoting the auction. Last year’s Florida auction attracted nearly 10,000 people from 79 countries. “Our goal is to outdo ourselves each year,” Lawson said. Auctioneering firm Yoder & Frey is cred-
ited with starting the annual winter-time heavy equipment auctions in Florida 43 years ago. This year, it returns for six days beginning Feb. 6 with a new partner in tow: Euro Auctions. The UK-headquartered company has merged with Yoder & Frey and the 2017 sale will be its first Florida experience. Expectations are running high. So auction companies in January have moved into positive territory in their thinking. Yet a handful of troubling economic and heavy equipment issues loom to temper their optimism. Strong Dollar Concern The strong U.S. dollar continues to undercut sales and export of U.S. equipment. The practical effect of the dollar having a relasee OUTLOOK page 26