On HGTV’s “Flea Market Flip,” contestants get a chance to purchase items at suburban or rural flea markets for the chance to revitalize and reimage them in order to resell them. Some contestants might get very artistic in their transformations, while others are just looking to restore a classic piece. Although more functional than creative, the aftermarket parts industry is allowing beverage-makers to find their own discount treasures.
“They can revitalize otherwise antiquated machines, provide parts that can no longer be found, and they have the ability to save bottling plants a lot of money,” says Chris Smith, marketing manager for Universal Packaging (UP), Orange City, Fla.