Hill’s Machine Shop helped keep local industries running for more than five decades.

Now their equipment will help the next generation of machinists to continue the trade.

“It’s like passing along the baton,” said Li Velgara, of Reading. “Just to continue, respect what these tools meant.”

On Monday, an auctioneer oversaw the first day of liquidation at the machine shop in Lansford. Sales were set to continue online on Tuesday.

Tradesmen from around the state bid on the tools which Hill’s used for 50 years. Even more bid online.

During his career, owner Kenny Hill filled his shop at the old Lansford freight depot with the machines and tools he used in his trade. Every last one was up for bid.

After Hill’s closed in December, Lansford Borough bought the building.

A businessman from Berks County bought all of the tools and machinery inside the shop. Moses Glick, who buys and sells industrial equipment, hired PA Auction Center to hold Monday’s Auction. Glick buys equipment from manufacturing and food processing plants.

“I buy complete plants, everything outside and inside, and auction it off,” he said.

In the auction there were thousands of hand tools and drill bits, everything down to the furniture from the lunch room and office. By far the most desirable items were the large machines that the workers at Hill’s used to shape metal. Some of them sold for more than $20,000.

Most of the bidders were fellow machinists who will use the equipment to rebuild agricultural or industrial equipment. Some were hoping to resell it to other tradesmen. They said Hill’s was a well-equipped shop with large equipment that isn’t easy to come by.

“You could make anything you want out of steel,” said Al Foulk, of Slatington.

Some of the bidders were Amish and Mennonite men who planned to use the machinery to build and maintain farm equipment.

Some had to hire drivers to get to the auction. Bill Harris drove the Amish owner of a company that fabricates equipment for farms in Southeast Pennsylvania.

“The company does anything you can do on mushroom farms, local farms,” he said.

After the equipment is liquidated, Lansford plans to use the space to attract new business to the borough, and possibly someday a train.

Though Hill’s long history in the borough is coming to an end, the tools will continue to be used by a new generation, in the hands of tradesmen like Velgara.

“It’s like grabbing something from the past, and saying ‘we’re still here,’” he said.