Manufacturing Equipment & Machinery Finance — Gable Asset Finance (UK)
Specialist manufacturing finance for startups, SMEs and large-scale industry
Gable Asset Finance provides tailored finance solutions for manufacturers across the UK. Our manufacturing finance specialists work with businesses of every size — from startups and one-man engineering shops to established SMEs and large-scale manufacturing groups — to deliver equipment finance, leasing and business funding that fits your individual requirements. Whether you need a single specialised machine, a production line, or a full factory refit, we structure practical, affordable packages so you can invest now and pay over time.
Why choose specialist manufacturing finance?
Manufacturing is capital-intensive and often highly cyclical. Purchasing machinery outright can tie up working capital, slow growth and reduce flexibility. Specialist manufacturing finance gives you access to the assets you need immediately while protecting cashflow and allowing you to invest in growth, staff and innovation.
- Preserve working capital: Spread the cost and keep funds available for inventory, payroll and R&D.
- Stay competitive: Adopt new automation and technology without a prohibitive upfront investment.
- Manage lifecycle: Align repayments with the useful life of equipment and your replacement cycles.
- Improve cashflow predictability: Fixed monthly payments simplify budgeting and forecasting.
- Access a broader supplier base: Finance options allow purchases from premium OEMs as well as reputable used machinery markets.
What our manufacturing finance specialists do
We assess your business needs and match them to the most appropriate finance product. Our team understands manufacturing processes, machine lifecycles and the practical considerations that matter to engineers and plant managers. Typical services include:
- Advising on the optimum finance product (HP, finance lease, operating lease, refinance).
- Structuring repayments to align with production cycles and cashflow.
- Bundling soft costs — installation, commissioning, training and warranties — into one facility.
- Arranging vendor and point-of-sale finance to simplify procurement.
- Accessing specialist lenders for large-capex projects or refurbishment programmes.
Manufacturing assets we finance
We arrange finance for a comprehensive range of manufacturing assets — heavy and light, new and used. If it plays a role in your manufacturing process, we can typically help fund it. Examples include:
Machine Tools & Metalworking
- Vertical machining centres (VMCs)
- Horizontal machining centres (HMCs)
- CNC lathes, turning centres and multi-axis machines
- Grinding machines and surface grinders
- EDM machines (wire and sinker)
- Punching machines, turret presses and CNC press brakes
- Large mechanical presses and hydraulic presses
Robotics & Automation
- Robotic welders and arc welding cells
- Robotic polishing cells and finishing systems
- Automated assembly lines and pick & place robots
- Conveyor systems and robotic material handling
Fabrication, Sheet Metal & Forming
- Laser cutting machines and plasma cutters
- Press brakes and sheet metal rollers
- Hydraulic forming presses and stamping lines
Food & Beverage Processing
- Food processing lines — mixers, slicers, portioners
- Packaging and filling systems — conveyorised canning/bottling lines
- Thermal processing, cookers and chillers
- Hygienic stainless steel process equipment and CIP systems
Textiles & Embroidery
- Textile looms and knitting machines
- Embroidery equipment and automated sewing lines
Plastics, Moulding & Composites
- Injection moulding machines
- Extruders and blow moulding lines
- Composite curing ovens and autoclaves
Woodworking & Joinery
- Panel saws, CNC routing centres and edgebanders
- Press systems for laminating and furniture production
Supporting & Site Assets
- Industrial boilers and HVAC for factories
- Forklifts, reach trucks and material handling equipment
- Compressors, generators and vacuum systems
- Tooling, jigs and fixtures
Finance packages we offer
We work across a wide panel of UK lenders and specialist asset financiers to secure a package that suits the scale and risk profile of your manufacturing business. Core finance structures include:
Hire Purchase (HP)
Hire Purchase is a straightforward way to finance equipment. You pay fixed monthly repayments over a defined term and gain ownership at the end of the agreement. HP works well for assets with long useful lives where you want to own the machine outright.
Finance Lease
A finance lease gives your business use of the asset in return for structured payments. At the end of the term, options often include purchase for a nominal sum, a market-value purchase, or returning the asset. This is commonly used for high-value machinery and capital-intensive equipment.
Operating Lease
Operating leases (rental) are ideal for businesses that want flexibility and frequent upgrades. Rentals are often lower than purchase repayments. At the lease end, you can return the equipment, renew the lease, or upgrade to newer technology.
Refinance Packages & Sale-and-Leaseback
If you already own machinery, sale-and-leaseback or refinancing can release capital tied in assets. This is a useful way to fund expansion without taking on new debt or diluting ownership.
Asset-Backed Loans & Commercial Loans
For large projects or multi-asset purchases we arrange secured loans and bespoke commercial facilities. These can be structured with phased drawdowns to match delivery timetables and installation phases.
Vendor Finance & Point-of-Sale Schemes
We frequently work with equipment suppliers and OEMs to provide vendor finance, enabling you to accept attractive supplier terms while we manage the finance facility and lender relationships.
Refurbished & Used Machinery Finance
We finance used and reconditioned machines. Lenders assess asset condition, age and expected residual value and we structure terms that reflect the asset profile — offering a cost-effective route to expand capacity.
How finance can include installation, training & warranties
Manufacturing equipment projects often require more than the machine itself. To avoid fragmented payments and improve budgeting we regularly bundle the following in a single facility:
- Installation, site works and foundations
- Commissioning and factory acceptance testing (FAT)
- Operator training and process documentation
- Extended warranties and preventative maintenance contracts
- Spare parts kits and tooling sets
Bundling these soft costs ensures the machine is fully operational from day one and reduces the risk of unforeseen capital calls during installation.
Benefits of manufacturing equipment finance
Financing machinery delivers multiple business benefits beyond simply spreading the cost:
- Improved productivity: New equipment often increases throughput and reduces unit cost.
- Technology adoption: Access automation and Industry 4.0 technologies such as CNC automation, robotic welders, and machine monitoring systems.
- Tax & accounting: Depending on the product, there may be capital allowances and tax-deductible interest; consult your accountant for specifics.
- Cashflow management: Keep working capital available for materials and workforce.
- Competitive bidding: Faster procurement means you can bid for large contracts without delay.
Sectors we specialise in
Our team has specialist experience across manufacturing subsectors, enabling sector-specific insight when arranging finance:
Automotive & Aerospace Suppliers
High precision machining and robotic cell investments can be financed to support just-in-time (JIT) contracts or to meet OEM standards.
Food & Beverage Manufacturers
Hygienic processing lines, packaging and chillers are financed with attention to regulatory compliance and CIP systems.
Textiles & Apparel
Embroidery, knitting and finishing lines require financing that recognises seasonal order cycles and quick retooling needs.
Pharma & Medical Device Manufacturing
Strict regulatory requirements drive the need for validated equipment and specialist finance structures that include compliance costs.
Electronics & High-Precision Manufacturing
Cleanroom equipment and precision CNC centres are financed with careful assessment of residual values and service contracts.
Plastics & Composites
Injection moulding machines and autoclaves are often high-ticket items — we arrange staged facilities to match capital expenditure and commissioning phases.
Typical manufacturing finance process — step by step
- Initial enquiry & needs analysis: We discuss the asset, supplier, delivery timetable and your preferred finance outcome.
- Proposal & structuring: Based on your cashflow and asset life, we present multiple finance options with indicative terms and monthly costs.
- Application submission: We prepare the application with supporting documents (quotes, accounts, trading history).
- Underwriting & approval: Lenders assess credit, asset specifications and residual values before issuing an offer.
- Documentation & acceptance: Contracts are signed, instalment schedules agreed and any deposits managed.
- Delivery & commissioning: Supplier is paid, equipment is installed and acceptance tests run. Where included, training and warranties commence.
- Aftercare & lifecycle management: We remain available to refinance assets, add machines, or re-profile repayments as your business evolves.
Underwriting considerations — what lenders look for
Lenders evaluate risk by considering the following factors. Preparing these in advance speeds approvals:
- Trading performance: Recent management accounts, turnover and profit trends.
- Asset details: Manufacturer, model, serial number, age (if used), maintenance history and expected life.
- Supplier reputation: OEM or accredited reseller status and delivery/installation track record.
- Cashflow forecasts: Pro forma impact of the new asset on margins and working capital.
- Security & guarantees: Lender requirements (fixed charges, personal guarantees) depend on deal size and borrower profile.
- Residual value analysis: Especially relevant for high-value machines and operating leases.
Documentation lenders typically require
- Company accounts (last 2–3 years) and recent management accounts
- Supplier quotations and breakdown of any installation costs
- Details of existing finance or security over assets
- Bank statements and cashflow forecasts
- Proof of identity for company directors and beneficial owners
- Project timelines, acceptance criteria and commissioning plans
Case studies — illustrative examples
Case study 1 — Small engineering workshop upgrades CNC capability
Background: A small engineering business specialising in bespoke components needed a new 5-axis CNC machining centre to win a contract with an aerospace sub-supplier. The machine and tooling were cost-prohibitive as a cash purchase.
Solution: We arranged a hire purchase agreement over 60 months with a three-month initial seasonal holiday to match the business’s cashflow. Installation and operator training were bundled into the facility.
Result: The company secured the contract, doubled production capacity, improved margins and transitioned to long-term supply with the new client.
Case study 2 — Food processor adds a new automated packaging line
Background: A mid-sized food manufacturer needed to automate a filling and packaging line to meet supermarket packaging standards and hygiene requirements.
Solution: We structured an operating lease including installation, validation and a five-year maintenance contract. The monthly rental was offset against improved throughput and reduced labour costs.
Result: The manufacturer met retailer criteria, cut per-unit labour costs and increased production reliability during seasonal peaks.
Case study 3 — Large composite manufacturer finances autoclave and toolset
Background: A composite components manufacturer required a high-temperature autoclave and bespoke tooling to enter the aerospace supply chain.
Solution: A bespoke asset-backed loan with staged drawdowns was arranged, matched to manufacturing milestones and supplier delivery schedules. Residual value and maintenance terms were negotiated to protect asset life.
Result: The company completed qualification testing and secured aerospace contracts, justifying the capital investment and strengthening their market position.
Tax, accounting & grant considerations (general guidance)
Tax and accounting treatment varies by product and business circumstances. Below are general points to review with your accountant:
- Capital allowances: Purchasing assets via hire purchase or loans typically allows capital allowance claims on qualifying plant and machinery.
- Lease accounting: Finance leases and operating leases have different balance-sheet implications under current accounting standards — consult your auditor for specifics.
- R&D & innovation grants: Investment in automation or Industry 4.0 technology may be eligible for R&D tax relief or grant funding; we can structure finance to complement grant funding.
- Capital grant blending: Where grants or incentives exist (regional development funds, green energy incentives), finance can be blended to reduce net capital cost.
Sustainability, energy efficiency & circular finance
Manufacturers increasingly invest in energy efficiency and sustainability — LED lighting upgrades, solar PV, heat recovery, and more efficient chillers for food producers. We can structure green finance packages or support sale-and-leaseback on older plant to fund sustainable upgrades. In addition, financing certified refurbished machinery supports circular economy approaches and lowers acquisition cost while maintaining production capacity.
Maintenance, warranties & service agreements — include them in finance
To protect uptime and reduce unexpected costs, many of our clients include maintenance and service agreements in their finance packages. Typical options:
- Manufacturer service contracts and preventative maintenance
- Spare parts provisioning and contingency kits
- Uptime guarantees and service-level agreements (SLAs)
- Remote monitoring and predictive maintenance subscriptions
Tips to secure the best manufacturing finance
- Prepare clear quotes: Obtain itemised supplier quotations that include installation, training and spare parts.
- Demonstrate cashflow impact: Provide forecasts showing how the asset will improve margins, output or reduce labour costs.
- Choose reputable suppliers: Lenders prefer established OEMs and accredited resellers with strong aftermarket support.
- Plan lifecycle: Match repayment term to expected useful life — avoid paying beyond economic life or too short a term that pressures cashflow.
- Consider residual values: For operating leases, discuss expected residual values and end-of-term options.
- Bundle services: Include commissioning and training in the financed amount for seamless implementation.
Common FAQs
Can you finance used machinery?
Yes. We regularly finance high-quality used and reconditioned equipment. Lenders will review age, condition and maintenance history and we tailor terms to reflect residual value and the asset’s remaining useful life.
How long does approval take?
Smaller, straightforward transactions can be approved rapidly (days). Larger or bespoke facilities that require detailed underwriting, site visits or residual value appraisal may take several weeks. Early engagement and complete documentation accelerate approval.
Do you require personal guarantees?
Guarantee requirements vary by lender, borrower size and deal structure. Smaller businesses or start-ups may be asked for director guarantees, while established corporates with strong financials often secure facilities without personal guarantees.
Can operating leases be off-balance-sheet?
Accounting standards have evolved; the treatment of leases depends on the standard applied (IFRS/UK GAAP) and the lease structure. Speak to your accountant to determine the impact on your balance sheet and the most appropriate product for your reporting needs.
Can finance include VAT?
Yes — VAT can often be included in the financed amount or structured separately depending on your VAT registration status. VAT funding smooths the immediate cashflow impact of VAT on capital purchases.
Why manufacturers choose Gable Asset Finance
- Sector expertise: Our team has a deep understanding of manufacturing processes and capital equipment markets.
- Broad lender access: We work with mainstream banks, specialist equipment financiers and manufacturer finance arms to secure competitive terms.
- Tailored solutions: We structure repayments, seasonal profiles and bundled packages to reflect your production cycle.
- Fast, pragmatic service: We focus on clear proposals, practical outcomes and minimal disruption to procurement timelines.
- End-to-end support: From initial quote to post-delivery refinancing, we stay involved for the life of the asset.
How to get started
- Contact Gable Asset Finance: Arrange a free intro call to discuss your project, timeframe and asset details.
- Provide supplier quotes: Send itemised quotes including installation, warranties and any required tooling.
- Supply financials: Provide recent accounts, management accounts and cashflow forecasts where available.
- Receive a tailored proposal: We’ll deliver clear options, side-by-side comparisons and an indicative repayment schedule.
- Complete documentation: Once agreed, contracts are signed and we manage supplier payment and delivery coordination.
Contact Gable Asset Finance
If you are planning to buy new CNC machines, robotic welders, packaging lines or any other manufacturing equipment, Gable Asset Finance can help you find an affordable way to spread the cost and move forward quickly. Contact our manufacturing specialists for a confidential, no-obligation discussion and tailored finance illustration.
Call us or apply online to start the process — have supplier quotes and basic financials to hand for a faster pre-assessment.
Gable Asset Finance — practical equipment finance for manufacturers: hire purchase, finance lease, operating lease and bespoke refinance packages to support growth, productivity and innovation across UK industry.
Manufacturing accounts for around a tenth of UK’s economy and the UK manufacturing sector is growing year by year. The continued expansion in the sector mean we are receiving more and enquiries for business finance and leasing for manufacturing equipment and machinery, processing equipment and packaging machinery to name a few.
Gable Asset Finance has been providing UK businesses with manufacturing machinery and equipment finance for many years. We work with the worlds leading finance institutions and access to multiple credit lines for any business equipment requirement from £250 upwards for such as:
- Food processing and packaging machinery
- Plastic processing machines
- Plastic cutting machines
- Film blowing machines
- Plastic Machinery
- Plastic-injection machines
- Plastic extruders
- Blow-molding machines
- Foam cutting machines
- Thermoforming
- Plastic drying machines
- Plastic suction molding machines
- Separating machines
- Granulators
- Industrial hoses
- Plastic bag-making machines
- GRP processing machinery
- Plastic welding machines
- Vacuum-forming machines
- CNC seam welding machines
- CNC flame cutting machines
- Solar panel fixings
- CNC machines
- CNC routers
- Industrial mixers
- Cracking machines
Whether you are looking to buy equipment for your own business, or seeking an a finance route for your customers, Gable Asset Finance can help. Please call us today for a competitive quote.