Honda machinery and equipment sold online ahead of Swindon factory closure

It’s rare that a factory as large and long-running as Honda’s South Marston plant closes down, so offers are flying in from around the globe for its expensive assets.

Gordon Brothers is arranging the sale of the car manufacturer’s machinery and equipment throughout this year and encouraging interested parties to browse an online catalogue, register their interest and put their bids in early.

The sales will be made through private treaty and online auctions, though none will go ahead before production at the plant halts for the final time in July.

Interested buyers can make appointments to inspect the equipment from one of Europe’s largest automotive plants over a video link.

The plant contains Honda production and assembly operations that cover more than 370 acres which, at its peak, manufactured approximately. 250,000 cars per year. 

Assets for sale include state-of-the-art engine manufacturing and assembly equipment, vehicle assembly, press shop, welding, injection moulding, die-casting, general machine tools, and a paint plant.

Gordon Brothers commercial and industrial managing director Duncan Ainscough said “We are excited to announce our appointment as sole asset selling agent for the Honda Manufacturing Equipment in Swindon. 

“The transaction presents a unique opportunity for us to partner with one of the largest car companies in the world and offer our expertise in commercial and industrial disposition. 

“The plant and machinery are very well maintained, in excellent condition and we expect to receive strong demand, making this an attractive project for our team.” 

Assets available for immediate sale include 59 Yaskawa robots with YRC 1000 controllers and manipulators which have never been used and are still in their crates.

Plus, there’s a four-cylinder diesel engine multi-station assembly line, a drive-through vehicle rain simulator used to check for water leaks in car bodywork, and a vehicle lift that can carry 3,000kg up for grabs.

A robotic paint line, mechanical steel and aluminium presses with a 2,300-tonne capacity, welding robots and emissions test equipment will be on sale in the near future.

Bits and pieces from the facility’s offices, kitchens and workshops will be sold off as well.

Visit www.gordonbrothers.co.uk/assets-for-sale/assets/h/honda-uk