Why Refurbished Histology Equipment Might Be Your Lab’s Smartest Move in 2025

With increasing tariffs on imports and mounting uncertainty around global supply chains, many histology labs are rushing to get their equipment order in before supply runs out, or will be forced to hit pause on major equipment purchases, or worse: wait many months for their equipment to land on US soil. Major brands like Leica, Sakura, Epredia, Avantik, and Dakewe—mainstays in our industry—manufacture much of their equipment in China, and if not assembled in China, rely on key components from overseas. This means lab managers across the U.S. may now be facing longer lead times, higher prices, and fewer options.

At Rankin, we believe there’s a smarter, more reliable path forward: refurbishing your current equipment back to like-new condition—and we’re here to do just that!

Why Refurbishment Makes Sense Right Now

• Avoid the Tariff Price Hikes
  With new tariffs driving up the cost of imported equipment, refurbishing your existing machines offers a cost-effective alternative that’s completely tariff-free.

• Eliminate the Wait
  Global supply chains are anything but predictable. Instead of waiting months for a new shipment, our Michigan-based refurbishment facility can turn your old instrument into a fully rebuilt, calibrated, and ready-to-use system in weeks—not months.

• Extend the Life of the Equipment You Trust
  If your lab has relied on tried-and-true models from Leica, Sakura, Thermo, and others, why replace what already works? We’ll rebuild it from the ground up, ensuring reliability and peak performance for years to come.

What “Like-New” Means at Rankin

We’re not talking about cosmetic touch-ups and a new coat of paint. Our refurbishment process is comprehensive. Here is a quick general overview:

1. Complete down-to-the-frame disassembly and deep cleaning

2. Replacement of all worn or aged components with new parts

3. Rebuilding to the original manufacturer specifications

4. Function tested and calibrated to meet lab performance standards

5. Quality control

6. Packaging

Backed by a full 1-year warranty (same as new machine)

We’ve been doing this for over 30 years, and every refurbished unit is handled by experienced technicians in our U.S. facility. We don't cut corners—our goal is to make the equipment as good as (or better than) the day it left the factory.

Proven. Affordable. Fast. Local.

When you refurbish with Rankin, you’re partnering with a team that knows histology equipment inside and out. You’re not waiting on a boat from overseas or rolling the dice on price increases. You’re supporting an American company committed to helping labs like yours get the most out of every instrument—and every dollar.

If your lab has been waiting for things to stabilize, now’s the time to act. Don’t let tariffs and delays hold you back. Let us bring your equipment back to life—and your lab back to full strength.

Contact Rankin today to get a free refurbishment quote and consultation at 877-882-3679 or info@rankinbiomed.com. 

We’re ready when you are.