Specialist rebuilding

CanTech International conducts a Q&A with Oscar Lacueva, director of Spanish business, Maquinaria Lacueva Can Making Machinery 

Could you tell us about the history of Maquinaria Lacueva and its journey in the can making machinery industry?

Our company was founded in 1968, initially providing technical service to can makers in the area. Soon after, we opened a workshop where we started to build new tooling for bodymakers, seamers, flangers, presses, and so on. After a few years, we began the business of buying and selling machinery, and only sold in ‘as is’ condition.

What sets Lacueva apart from other companies in the used can making machinery market?

We have a technical team of 15 people, who are specialised in can making. This makes it possible that today we can offer completely rebuilt machines as new, with new electronic systems, state-of-the-art upgrades and complete turnkey projects.

What are the key factors you consider when purchasing used can making machinery?

We try to buy only good quality machines. Sometimes we also buy complete factories that close down and then we make a selection.

Could you explain the process of re- building and repairing used machinery at your facility?

This is our speciality. As I said before, we do a total overhaul. First, we dismantle the machine complete- ly, then we go to the painting process, we change all the bearings, seals, belts, oils, etc, for new elements. We always do this, regardless of the condition of the old ones. We check all defective parts of the machine and correct them. We make updated upgrades, install new electronics and also build new tooling if necessary. Finally, the machine is as good as new.

What types of can making machinery do you specialise in?

We specialise in three-piece can making machines for food, general line and aerosols and two-piece food can making lines.

How do you ensure the quality and reliability of the used machinery?

Our rebuilt machines come with a one-year warranty.

What kind of after-sales support and training do you offer to your customers?

Because we have a specialised team, we offer an after-sales service for installation of the machine or especially complete lines, so that the customer does not have to worry about anything.

Can you describe a recent project where you provided a turnkey solution for a client?

We have just developed a project for a complete line to manufacture metal boxes for sweets. This line has just arrived to our customer in in the Latin America region and our technicians are travelling to the customer’s factory to install it and put it into production.

How has the market for used can making machinery evolved over the past few years?

In our case, our customers demand more from us. Today we also have much more competition, not only in the used machinery market, but also in the new Asian machinery market.

What trends do you foresee in the can making industry, and how is Lacueva preparing for them?

As I said before, customers are increasingly demanding more and more and that is why we are preparing ourselves according to the needs of the market. We have incorporated new techni- cal staff to meet the needs of our customers.

How do you see the company evolving in the next five to ten years?

Optimistically. We believe we are doing a good job, and this has made us grow in recent years, so I am confident we will continue this trend.