Sun Equipment, a national leader in used material handling equipment, has officially expanded into Texas with the launch of its new Used Construction Equipment division serving the greater Houston region. The company announced the move Thursday, calling it a strategic response to skyrocketing equipment prices and accelerated construction growth across Southeast Texas.
Based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sun Equipment has built a strong reputation nationwide for providing high-quality used forklifts. Now, the company is extending its expertise into a wider range of heavy machinery as demand surges for cost-effective alternatives to new equipment. The new Houston division will offer excavators, skid steers, telehandlers, scissor lifts, loaders, bulldozers and a full lineup of used forklifts — each undergoing a strict inspection and quality verification process before sale.
Houston’s industrial and construction momentum is a major factor behind the expansion. “Houston's construction and industrial sectors are experiencing unprecedented growth, and we're seeing more companies turn to the used equipment market as a smart financial strategy,” said Mike Hoskins, President of Sun Equipment. “With new equipment prices rising significantly over the past few years, businesses of all sizes are recognizing that quality used equipment offers exceptional value without compromising performance or reliability.”
The market shift is happening at a pivotal moment. Industry data shows prices for large earthmoving equipment like excavators, bulldozers, and motor graders have climbed 16–20% nationwide, with aerial equipment such as cranes and forklifts seeing similar increases. As a result, the used equipment sector is forecast to grow at a 5.8% compound annual rate through 2030.
Hoskins said the move toward used machinery is a practical response to tightened budgets and financial uncertainty. “The high cost of purchasing new equipment, combined with economic uncertainty and limited capital availability, is fundamentally changing how businesses approach their equipment needs. Companies are discovering they can acquire high-quality used machinery at a fraction of the cost of new equipment, allowing them to allocate resources more strategically and maintain competitive pricing on projects.”
Houston’s economy — spanning energy, aerospace, healthcare, logistics, and manufacturing — creates broad and varied demand for heavy equipment. Sun Equipment’s new division will supply machinery suitable for construction firms, industrial clients, warehouse operators, and material handling operations across the region.
Its forklift inventory remains one of the company’s strongest offerings, featuring leading brands such as Toyota, Hyster, Yale, Crown, Caterpillar, Komatsu, Clark and Mitsubishi. Options include electric forklifts, pneumatic and cushion models, rough-terrain units, narrow-aisle forklifts, and heavy-capacity industrial lifts.
Hoskins emphasized the company’s quality standards: “We don't sell cheap equipment riddled with problems. We sell high-quality forklifts and construction machinery that just happen to be cost-effective. Every piece of equipment in our inventory is carefully evaluated, and we stand behind what we sell.”
Sun Equipment’s approach centers on service, reliability, and relationships. Its expansion into Houston includes a full slate of customer support offerings:
Hoskins said the company’s success is built on trust: “Our business is built on relationships and referrals. The majority of our customers come to us through word-of-mouth recommendations from satisfied buyers. That's a responsibility we take seriously, and it drives us to deliver exceptional service on every transaction.”
With more than 2.3 million residents and one of the nation’s busiest ports, Houston offers a key logistical and economic gateway. The city’s ongoing infrastructure programs, major commercial construction activity, port-related expansion, and industrial growth make it a prime market for used equipment sales.
From the Texas Medical Center to energy sector projects and large manufacturing campuses, equipment demand remains strong — reinforcing Houston’s suitability for Sun Equipment’s newest division.
The push for used equipment also aligns with broader sustainability goals. Reusing machinery extends its life cycle, reduces manufacturing-related emissions, and supports circular-economy practices. “Sustainability is becoming increasingly important to our customers,” Hoskins said. “Choosing quality used equipment isn't just good business – it's good stewardship of resources.”
Sun Equipment’s inventory changes rapidly due to demand and competitive pricing. Buyers are encouraged to contact the company directly for current availability or upcoming stock.
Originally reported by Sun Equipment Inc in Global News Wire.
