Chartered surveyor Walker Singleton has opened up the online bidding for a variety of printing equipment in litho, digital and wide-format, as well as pre-press, finishing, consumables and factory support.

According to Walker Singleton director Allan Chapman, the initial notice from earlier this week has so far seen in excess of 80 parties register interest. A viewing at Loop’s former Sheffield headquarters will take place next Wednesday (15 May) before bidding closes the following day.

“The level of interest we have seen so far is reflective of the variety of kit on offer, its general condition and the reputation Loop held within the sector,” said Chapman.

“With this kit, companies could open up opportunities to expand into areas that they may have previously outsourced or add elements such as pre-press and finishing. As the notification of the sale gets out there, I only expect interest to increase.

“All equipment in the factory is as it was when Loop ceased to trade and I would assess that it is in good condition for its age and type, while that may also be up to bidders’ discretion.”

Equipment up for auction comprises a raft of Heidelberg kit including a B3 Speedmaster SM 52 two-colour perfector, a 540x720mm Cylinder, 250x380mm Platen, a Suprasetter A52/A75 and a Stahlfolder KH56; as well as a Mimaki UCJV300-160 UV-LED printer-cutter; a Roland VS-540 wide-format printer; C1070 and C7000 bizhubs from Konica Minolta; and a range of finishing kit from Polar, Horizon, Matrix, Easymount, Camco Rosback, Iram and Morgan.

Further assets advertised by Walker Singleton include a fork-lift truck, five Apple Macs and four pallet trucks.

Loop Print shut down its operations on 15 April as it appointed RSM Restructuring Advisory as administrators. All 22 employees at the time were made redundant. Its closure followed shortly after that of fellow Sheffield outfit Evolution Print, which folded at the start of April.