Question 1

Can a full production line be funded as one project?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Lines, robotics, conveyors, packaging and end-of-line equipment can be funded as a single facility, including installation and integration.

Larger projects are often drawn down in stages against the supplier's payment schedule so you are not paying for machinery still sitting in a crate.

Question 2

Can automation and robotics be paid for out of the savings they create?

Accepted Answer

That is usually the argument for the term chosen. Automation is commonly funded over five to seven years so the monthly cost sits below the labour and scrap saving it delivers. Funders respond well to a simple payback case — output per shift before and after is usually enough.

Question 3

Can materials handling and factory infrastructure be included?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Forklifts, racking, mezzanines, compressors, dust extraction, LED lighting and power upgrades are all fundable, often over longer terms than production machinery because they stay with the building.

Question 4

Is imported machinery with staged payments a problem?

Accepted Answer

No, it is routine. We fund against a proforma, pay deposits and stage payments to the manufacturer, and the term starts once the machine is commissioned and running.

Question 5

I have never used a finance broker before. Is it more hassle?

Accepted Answer

Less, in our experience. You complete one application and one conversation with us. We then approach the funders on your behalf, rather than you filling in separate forms for your bank, the dealer's finance arm and anyone else you might have approached. We handle the paperwork, the funder's questions and the chase-up, and we come back to you with the options set out plainly. You keep the decision; we do the legwork. It also protects your credit file. Rather than several lenders searching you in a short space of time, we place the proposal with the funders most likely to say yes to that particular asset and business.

Question 6

What types of assets can be funded?

Accepted Answer

Broadly, anything identifiable, durable and used for business purposes. In practice that means: tractors; combines and harvesters; balers, mowers and forage equipment; telehandlers and loaders; ATVs, side-by-sides and utility vehicles; grain handling, storage and drying plant; livestock housing, feeding and handling equipment; milking parlours and robotic milking systems; irrigation and water management; groundscare machinery including greens mowers, fairway units, sprayers and top dressers; construction plant such as excavators, dumpers and rollers; commercial vehicles, vans and trailers; solar arrays, battery storage and other renewables; and IT, software and telematics. If an asset is unusual we will say so early. Specialist or bespoke equipment can usually be funded, though the funder panel narrows and the structure may differ.

Manufacturing finance

Finance for every category of manufacturing equipment

Manufacturing equipment we fund every week

Categories we regularly fund

Manufacturing finance: common questions

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