This week Ritchie Bros. conducted its largest-ever two-day auction in the United States. More than 3,400 equipment items were sold in Columbus, OH on September 28 – 29 for US$76+ million. Approximately US$61+ million of the equipment was sold on Day One of the auction—the largest single sale day the company has ever had in the United States.

As the pipeline construction event of the year, with 175+ crawler pipelayers and other equipment up for sale, bidders turned out in huge numbers on-site and online from around the world. More than 3,600 bidders from 52 countries registered to bid in the auction, including 2,500+ online—surpassing the previous Columbus attendance record by 36 percent. Approximately 91% of the equipment was purchased by U.S. buyers, including 21% purchased by Ohio buyers. International buyers purchased approximately 9% of the equipment from such countries as Singapore, South Africa, and The Netherlands.

"This was a truly unique event—it's not often you sell US$31+ million in pipelayers in a single auction," said Terry Dolan, President (USA & Latin America), Ritchie Bros. "This week we showcased our ability to build and market a successful pipeline event and reach the right buyers from around the world, even with the current state of the oil & gas market. This wasn't just a Columbus auction; this was a global event. We attracted equipment from consignors across the United States, marketed it to the world, generated strong demand and pricing, and achieved record results."

Beside the massive selection of pipelayers, the auction also featured 135 excavators, 110 dozers, 235+ truck tractors, 210+ trailers, and much more. Equipment in the auction was sold for 265+ owners, including 70+ items for Denver, CO-based Cross Country Pipeline Supply Company, Inc.