Growth prompts AEK relocation to accommodate larger used packaging equipment inventory, showroom
In wake of substantial 2016 growth, Aaron Kendell Packaging Equipment will relocate to a standalone, state-of-the-art facility in Belvidere, Illinois, by Jan. 1, 2017.
The modern, climate-controlled facility, located just west of the Chicago area on Interstate 90, will benefit AEK customers by offering much larger inventory, along with a showroom and space to cycle-test all used packaging equipment it purchases. Customers will continue to work with their same AEK sales associate throughout and after the relocation.
“AEK is a growing, stable company that has been a part of thousands of packaging applications globally for almost a decade,” said AEK president K.C. Christensen. “We save our customers time and lower their risk of purchasing, leasing or renting packaging equipment. We know how important it is for our customers to have confidence that the used piece of packaging equipment acquired works upon arrival. And now we will have the space to better accommodate all customer needs.”
Founded in 2009, AEK has grown to offer more than 60 types of used packaging equipment from more than 100 brands, including cappers, fillers, labelers and wrappers. Christensen said the relocation was prompted in part by the tripling of AEK’s footprint at its Bensenville, Illinois, facility in the past two years alone. Its relationship with parent company Aaron Equipment Company will be unaffected by the relocation.
“AEK has the capability to advise on and handle logistics for specialized equipment hauling, saving our customers time,” said Christensen. Additionally, while AEK can cycle-test all used packaging equipment it purchases, a customer can still purchase machinery as-is if they prefer.
AEK makes it a seamless process for companies to sell used packaging equipment, too. The easy-to-submit form on AEK’s website allows a seller to describe the equipment it wishes to sell, upload photos and submit an asking price with a same-day AEK response to inquiries.
AEK also offers multiple options for customers selling equipment, including outright purchase; consignment; website listings with no obligation to the seller; and trade-in value toward a purchase from AEK’s inventory, which has risen 25 percent from 2015 to 2016.
