Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraisal Services in Michigan

When you need to know the true value of your industrial assets, you need more than a guess—you need a certified, defensible appraisal from experts who live and breathe the machinery market. At Gibbs Machinery, our AMEA-certified appraisers deliver accurate, market-driven valuations for businesses across Michigan. Grounded in over 75 years of hands-on experience buying and selling industrial equipment, our USPAP-compliant reports provide the clarity and confidence you need to make critical financial decisions.

Trusted, Defensible Valuations Backed by 75+ Years of Market Experience

At Gibbs Machinery, our appraisals are rooted in real-world market reality. We aren't just theorists; we are active participants in the industrial marketplace. Since 1946, we have been buying and selling the very equipment we appraise, from single CNC machines to entire production facilities. This gives us an unparalleled understanding of what your assets are truly worth in today's market

Our valuations are objective, meticulously researched, and designed to withstand scrutiny from financial institutions, legal teams, the IRS, and other stakeholders. We work closely with manufacturers, asset-based lenders, business brokers, and attorneys to provide timely and accurate machinery appraisals delivered with the highest level of professionalism.

Our Certified Appraisal Services Support Your Critical Business Decisions

A precise understanding of your equipment's value is fundamental to strategic planning and sound financial management. A certified appraisal from Gibbs Machinery provides the essential documentation and insight needed for a wide range of business scenarios.

Asset-Based Lending & Financing: Establish credible collateral value to secure loans and lines of credit. Our reports are trusted by banks and financial institutions throughout Michigan.
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A): Conduct thorough due diligence by accurately valuing the tangible assets involved in a transaction.
Insurance Coverage & Claims: Ensure proper coverage by documenting replacement value and providing defensible reports for loss claims.
Facility Closures & Liquidation: Develop a strategic plan to maximize the recovery value of surplus or idled equipment.
Tax Planning & Compliance: Support federal and state tax reporting, depreciation schedules, and property tax assessments with reliable valuations.
Partnership Dissolution & Estate Planning: Provide clear, unbiased valuations to ensure the equitable division of assets.

A Clear Appraisal Process Tailored to Your Needs

We demystify the valuation process, providing a clear, structured approach that is customized to your specific objectives and timeline.

Step 1: Initial Consultation & Scope Definition

We begin with a comprehensive discussion to understand the purpose of your appraisal, the equipment involved, and the required definition of value. This ensures our final report aligns perfectly with your intended use, whether for lending, accounting, or legal purposes.

Step 2: Data Collection (On-Site Inspection or Desktop Review)

Based on your needs, we offer two flexible data collection methods. Our On-Site Inspections involve a physical visit to your facility by one of our certified appraisers to document equipment details, condition, and operational context. For more streamlined needs, our Desktop Appraisals provide a fast, cost-effective valuation based on asset lists, photos, and specifications you provide.

Step 3: Market Research & Valuation Analysis

Our team conducts in-depth market research, leveraging our proprietary sales database, auction results, and industry contacts. We apply the most appropriate valuation methodologies—including Market, Cost, and Income approaches—to determine a well-supported value for your assets. We offer valuations based on several premises, including:

Fair Market Value (FMV)
Orderly Liquidation Value (OLV)
Forced Liquidation Value (FLV)

Step 4: Delivery of Your Certified, USPAP-Compliant Report

You receive a comprehensive, detailed appraisal report that is clear, easy to understand, and compliant with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP). Each report includes full asset descriptions, photographs, our valuation methodology, and a signed certification from your AMEA appraiser.

Industrial Equipment & Machinery We Appraise

With decades of experience spanning nearly every industrial sector, our appraisers possess deep knowledge of a vast range of equipment. Our expertise gives us unique insight into what machinery holds its value and how it fits into the global secondary market.

We regularly appraise equipment and systems, including:

Complete Production Facilities & Manufacturing Lines
CNC Machine Tools: Multi-axis machining centers, turning centers, grinders, and fabrication equipment.
Gear Manufacturing & Inspection Machinery: Hobbers, shapers, grinders, and CMMs for bevel, spur, and helical applications.
Automotive & Powertrain Systems: Crankshaft, camshaft, engine, and transmission production equipment.
Plastics & Molding Equipment: Injection molding, blow molding, and extrusion machinery.
Stamping & Metal Forming Presses: Mechanical and hydraulic presses, press brakes, and shears.
Industrial Support & Facility Equipment: Air compressors, robotics and automation, chillers, and material handling systems.

Serving Michigan's Core Industries from Detroit to Grand Rapids

Gibbs Machinery is proud to serve businesses throughout the state of Michigan. Our appraisers have on-the-ground experience in Michigan's key industrial corridors, providing valuations that reflect a true understanding of the local economic landscape.

Southeast Michigan (Detroit, Warren, Southfield, Ann Arbor): As the heart of America's automotive industry, we have deep expertise appraising everything from advanced CNC machining centers in Warren to complete powertrain production lines in Dearborn. We understand the unique market dynamics of Southeast Michigan's high-tech manufacturing and R&D sectors.
West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Holland, Kalamazoo, Muskegon): From the advanced manufacturing and furniture production facilities in Grand Rapids to the food processing plants and medical device companies in Kalamazoo, our appraisers understand the diverse industrial base of West Michigan. We provide valuations that are informed by the specific equipment and economic conditions of the region.
Central & Mid-Michigan (Lansing, Flint, Saginaw): Serving the vital industrial sectors of Central Michigan, including automotive suppliers in Lansing and Flint and agricultural operations in the Saginaw Valley, we deliver timely and accurate appraisals that support business transitions, financing, and strategic planning.

Get Your Certified Equipment Appraisal from Gibbs Machinery

When you need an accurate, fast, and dependable valuation of your machinery and equipment, partner with a team that knows the Michigan industrial market from the inside out. Contact Gibbs Machinery today to discuss your appraisal needs and receive a complimentary consultation. Let's talk.

Frequently Asked Questions About Machinery Appraisals

What is the difference between Fair Market Value and Orderly Liquidation Value?

Fair Market Value (FMV) is the price expected between a willing buyer and seller under normal market conditions, assuming neither is under compulsion to act. Orderly Liquidation Value (OLV) is the estimated gross amount that could be realized from a planned sale over a reasonable period, where the seller is compelled to sell. The right valuation depends on the purpose of the appraisal.

Are your appraisals USPAP compliant?

Yes. Every appraisal we conduct is developed and written in compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP), which are the generally accepted standards for professional appraisal practice in North America. This ensures our reports are credible and defensible.

How much does a machinery appraisal cost?

The cost of an appraisal depends on the scope of the project, including the number of assets, their complexity, and whether an on-site inspection is required. We provide a clear, upfront quote after an initial consultation to understand your needs. Desktop appraisals are generally more cost-effective than on-site inspections.

What information do I need for a desktop appraisal?

For a desktop appraisal, you will typically need to provide an organized asset list (such as an Excel file) with the make, model, serial number, age, and any specifications like capacity or hours for each piece of equipment. Clear, recent photographs are also essential.

How long does the appraisal process take?

The timeline varies with the project size. For most small to medium-sized assignments, we can deliver a certified report within 3-5 business days after all necessary data has been collected. We will provide a clear timeline for larger or multi-location projects during our initial consultation.

Why should I choose a certified appraiser over a dealer?

A certified appraiser is an independent, unbiased professional required to adhere to strict ethical and performance standards (USPAP). Their valuation is based on objective research and established methodologies. A dealer's valuation may be influenced by their interest in buying or selling the equipment, creating a potential conflict of interest. Certified reports are required by most lenders, courts, and the IRS.

Do you perform appraisals for SBA loans or tax purposes?

Yes. Our certified, USPAP-compliant appraisals meet the stringent requirements for SBA lending, IRS reporting (including donations and estate taxes), and other financial and legal applications.

What's included in a certified appraisal report?

A certified report includes a detailed description of each asset (make, model, serial number), photographs, a statement of the appraisal's purpose and scope, the definition of value used, a summary of our research and methodology, the final opinion of value, and the appraiser's signed certification and qualifications.