As the industrial bakery sector navigates rising energy costs, tighter margins, and increased sustainability pressures, many bakery operations are reconsidering their capital investment strategies. One key question keeps surfacing: should we refurbish our existing equipment, or invest in new machinery?
At Dowson Food Machinery, we don’t believe this is an either-or decision. As both a manufacturer of new bakery equipment and a provider of refurbishment services, including our popular slicer engine rebuilds, we understand the unique advantages of each approach.
The Case for Refurbishment
Refurbishment can be a smart, strategic decision under the right conditions. Here’s why:
1. Reduced Capital Expenditure
Refurbishing can cost significantly less than buying new, freeing up cash flow for other operational needs.
2. Faster Turnaround
When time is of the essence, refurbishing an existing Dowson slicer engine, for example, can minimise production downtime compared to lead times on new machinery.
3. Improved Performance
Our refurbished slicer systems are upgraded with high-efficiency motors, recalibrated blade tension, and the latest safety features — enhancing throughput while maintaining Dowson’s hallmark precision and crumb control.
4. Sustainability Benefits
Extending the life of existing equipment reduces waste and supports your carbon reduction targets — an increasingly important factor for both regulators and customers.
5. Proven Reliability
Many of our machines from the 1980s are still in daily use. With Dowson’s refurbishment service, your older machinery benefits from British engineering while being modernised to meet current production standards.
When Buying New is the Better Option
While refurbishment has clear merits, investing in new equipment brings its own advantages:
1. Built for Your Product Mix
New machines are designed from the ground up to meet today’s evolving demands — such as handling gluten-free, seeded, or high-hydration doughs. Our new slicers, such as the B51 and B51X models, offer variable blade heights, oiling systems for rye loaves, and seamless integration with Dowson baggers.
2. Energy Efficiency
The latest Dowson machines come equipped with Eff1 standard motors and intelligent servo controls, helping reduce energy consumption per loaf.
3. Full Lifecycle Value
Our new installations are backed by Dowson’s end-to-end support package, including design, in-house testing, commissioning, and long-term maintenance support — maximising uptime and equipment lifespan.
4. Futureproofing
With production requirements shifting quickly, new equipment offers flexibility to accommodate anticipated growth or product diversification.
Making the Right Choice
At Dowson, our customer support team are here to help you assess the best route based on:
- Age and condition of existing equipment
- Production demands
- Budget constraints
- Sustainability goals
Sometimes, a hybrid approach is best — refurbishing key components while introducing new modular elements, such as servo-driven baggers or updated slicing frames.
Whether you’re looking to extend the life of an existing machine or upgrade to the latest production tech, Dowson is uniquely positioned to support your bakery’s growth. With over 40 years of engineering experience, our refurbishment services and new equipment ranges are designed with one goal in mind, keeping your production line running reliably, efficiently, and profitably.
