Food processing and packaging equipment appraisals.
A food processing appraisal from Lukes & Lukes is an independent, USPAP-compliant opinion of value for the plant floor: mixers, ovens and fryers, fillers and depositors, labelers and case packers, sanitary conveyors, and refrigeration. We value each machine by age, condition, sanitary construction, throughput and the resale market for its class. A custom-integrated line and a set of standalone machines carry different numbers, because they sell to different buyers. Every report is built to withstand lender, SBA, IRS, audit and legal review.
What we appraise
The plant floor, line by line.
We appraise the full plant, from a single packaging line to a multi-building facility, and we value each class on its own market. Two questions run through the whole inventory: is it sanitary-rated, and how easily does it relocate.
- Processing: mixers, blenders, cookers, ovens, fryers, kettles and extruders.
- Filling and packaging: fillers, cappers, baggers, labelers, case packers and palletizers.
- Material handling: sanitary conveyors, elevators and accumulation tables.
- Refrigeration and thermal: chillers, blast freezers, walk-ins and ammonia or glycol systems.
- Utilities and support: compressors, boilers, water treatment and CIP systems.
What drives the number
Sanitary build, and value in place versus value at liquidation.
Stainless, washdown-rated, food-grade equipment holds value because it can move into another food plant; non-sanitary gear cannot, and trades accordingly. Throughput, format flexibility and documented maintenance each move the number. Integration cuts both ways. A custom continuous line is highly productive where it sits but costly to relocate, so its orderly liquidation value can sit well below what it contributes to a working plant. Standalone machines from known builders sell into a deeper buyer pool. Ammonia refrigeration adds de-install cost and regulatory obligations that buyers price in.
Read the full breakdown: what food processing equipment is worth →
Which value applies
The right premise for the situation.
The same line carries different numbers depending on why you need the appraisal. We determine and defend the premise your situation requires.
Common questions
Answers, up front.
What makes food processing equipment hold its value?
Sanitary, stainless, washdown-rated construction that can move into another food plant, common formats from known builders, flexibility across product sizes, and documented condition and maintenance. Non-sanitary or single-purpose gear trades at a discount.
Why is an integrated line worth less at liquidation than in place?
Because a custom, automated line is productive where it sits but can be costly to remove and re-commission elsewhere. That lowers its orderly liquidation value relative to standalone machines, which have a deeper buyer pool and are easier to relocate.
Which value premise applies?
Lending, SBA collateral and wind-downs usually use orderly or net orderly liquidation value; a sale or acquisition uses fair market value; estate and partnership matters use fair market value as of a date.
Are these appraisals accepted by lenders, the SBA and the courts?
Yes. Reports are USPAP-compliant, prepared by a NEBB-certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA), and built to withstand lender, SBA, IRS, audit and legal review.