Global plant and machinery auction powerhouse, Ritchie Bros., reported the busiest week ever in its history when it sold more than 35,000 individual items in 29 online auctions between June 22 and 26.

With all auctions held online due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the company said the unprecedented sales figures, the highest ever in a week in its 60-plus years of existence, proves the strength of its online and global networks. The total gross transaction proceeds for the record-setting week surpassed $295m.

The week also notched up other equally impressive figures, as Ritchie Bros. also saw new online traffic highs, with more than 2.5 million visits to its online platforms in the five days. This includes the company’s busiest day ever on June 24, when it hit 212,000+ visits to its website rbauction.com in a single day.

Ann Fandozzi, CEO, Ritchie Bros., said: “We continue to see record attendance at our auctions around the world as more and more of our customers get used to participating in our auctions online. We registered a staggering 80,000+ bidders in a week! Our people are working incredibly hard to ensure we deliver for our customers during these difficult times.”

Ritchie Bros. said its online ‘Timed Auctions’ in France, Germany and the UAE saw strong bidder attendance. These auctions together featured over 4,250 equipment items and attracted more than 5,390 bidders. The French auction even broke a five-year record in bidders and buyers for a June auction.

The company added that there are more online auctions on its calendar, including in Caorso, Italy, ending July 10 and Moerdijk, Netherlands, on July 22 and 23.