Top 10 Manufacturing Machinery Finance Providers UK 2026
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Manufacturing machinery finance providers compared
| Rank | Lender | Best for | Published loan range | Loan rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liberty Leasing | SME manufacturers upgrading mid-value production machinery and equipment | £10,000 to £2,000,000 | interest 11% to 16% |
| 2 | Lombard | Larger manufacturers funding high-value machinery at competitive rates | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 4% to 11.5% |
| 3 | PlayterBoost | Manufacturers seeking low-rate finance for specific machinery purchases | £30,000 to £50,000 | interest 2.5% to 4% |
| 4 | Reward Funding | Established manufacturers funding major machinery investments above £100,000 | £100,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 0.99% to 3% |
| 5 | Time Finance | Manufacturers needing flexible asset finance with strong sector understanding | Up to £5,000,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% |
| 6 | Admiral leasing | Small workshops needing entry-level equipment finance from £1,000 | From £1,000 | interest 5.5% to 13.5% |
| 7 | Lloyds Bank | Manufacturers preferring asset finance through their existing high-street bank | £1,000 to £50,000 | interest 10.65% to 11.2% |
| 8 | Barclays | Manufacturers needing scalable finance from small tools to full production lines | £1,000 to £25,000,000 | interest 8.5% to 14.9% |
| 9 | Acorn Business Finance | Mid-sized manufacturers funding specialist production equipment | £15,000 to £5,000,000 | interest 8% to 15% |
| 10 | Aldermore Asset finance | Manufacturers of all sizes seeking flexible terms and wide funding range | £1,000 to £10,000,000 | interest 5% to 15% |
Manufacturing machinery finance helps UK manufacturers purchase or lease the equipment they need to produce goods, fulfil orders, and grow. Whether you need CNC machines, packaging lines, injection moulding kit, or a full factory refresh, asset finance lets you spread the cost over time rather than paying upfront. Comparing lenders is essential because rates, loan sizes, and lease structures vary widely across the market.
When comparing manufacturing machinery finance providers, look beyond the headline rate. Consider the lender's experience with your sector, the types of machinery they fund, and whether they offer hire purchase, finance leases, or operating leases. Funding speed matters too — a delayed machine means delayed production. The table below compares ten providers serving UK manufacturers.
How this comparison works: Funding Agent is a commercial finance broker, not a direct lender. listed lenders can be accessed directly through our platform. Non-listed and bank lenders are included for comparison so you can evaluate the full market. Rates and terms depend on your circumstances and the machinery being funded.
Funding Agent
Published loan rangeFrom £10,000 to up to £1,000,000
Rate typeInterest or factor rate
Why it is included:It is included because many business owners need to compare several finance routes before choosing where to apply.
Funding Agent can help businesses compare suitable options across a lender panel, especially when eligibility depends on turnover, sector, trading history, credit strength and available documents.
Best use case: When the borrower wants to avoid applying to one lender at a time.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Why it stands out
- Useful when a business wants to compare lender fit rather than guess which lender to apply to first.
- Can help position the application around the funding purpose, trading profile and available documents.
- Works well as a conversion route for readers who are unsure whether a direct lender will approve a larger unsecured facility.
Need to know
- Funding Agent is a broker, not a lender.
- The lender, not Funding Agent, sets the final rate, term, fees and approval decision.
- The best match may be unsecured, secured, revolving credit, invoice finance or another product depending on the case.
Expert take
Funding Agent is a useful honourable mention for business owners who want to compare lender options before submitting a full application. A larger unsecured loan is not always approved by the first lender a business finds, so understanding lender fit early can reduce wasted time and avoid unnecessary declines.
Liberty Leasing
Published loan range£10,000 to £2,000,000
Rate typeinterest 11% to 16%
Overview: Liberty Leasing offers asset finance from £10,000 to £2 million, making it a practical fit for UK manufacturers buying or refinancing production machinery, CNC equipment, or assembly-line assets.
With funding decisions typically within 24 hours, manufacturers can move quickly when sourcing essential kit. The finance is secured against the machinery itself, helping preserve working capital for day-to-day production costs.
Best next step: Check eligibility for your machinery purchase today.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding from £10,000 to £2 million
- Preserves cash flow for production needs
- Quick 24-hour funding decisions
Need to know
- Rates typically range from 11% to 16%
- Finance is secured against the machinery
- May require a deposit or asset valuation
Expert take
Liberty Leasing suits manufacturers needing straightforward asset finance without complex structures. The product range covers most production machinery and the speed of decision-making helps when equipment needs are urgent.
Lombard
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 4% to 11.5%
Overview: Lombard provides asset finance up to £5 million, giving larger manufacturers headroom to fund production lines, heavy plant, or multiple machinery purchases under a single arrangement.
A well-established name in UK asset finance, Lombard can fund a broad spectrum of manufacturing equipment. Decisions often come within 24 hours, supporting timely procurement of essential production assets.
Best next step: Explore Lombard's manufacturing asset finance options.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding available up to £5 million
- Covers diverse manufacturing equipment types
- Decisions often within 24 hours
Need to know
- Rates range from 4% to 11.5%
- Finance secured against the equipment
- Deposits or valuations may be needed
Expert take
Lombard's upper limit of £5 million and competitive rates make it a strong contender for established manufacturers upgrading entire production lines or investing in heavy industrial plant.
Source:https://www.lombard.co.uk/
PlayterBoost
Published loan range£30,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 2.5% to 4%
Overview: PlayterBoost offers asset finance from £30,000 to £50,000 with repayments structured around trading performance. It can suit smaller manufacturers needing machinery without rigid monthly commitments.
Funding decisions arrive within 24 hours and rates start competitively at 2.5%. The revenue-linked model may appeal to manufacturers with seasonal or fluctuating production income who want breathing room during quieter periods.
Best next step: See if revenue-linked machinery finance fits your business.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Repayments flex with trading performance
- Rates starting from 2.5%
- Funding decisions within 24 hours
Need to know
- Loan range limited to £30,000 to £50,000
- Best suited to card-taking manufacturers
- Trading history will be assessed
Expert take
PlayterBoost is a niche fit for smaller manufacturers whose income fluctuates. The revenue-linked model offers breathing room during quieter periods, though the £50,000 cap limits it to modest machinery purchases.
Source:https://www.playter.co/
Reward Funding
Published loan range£100,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 0.99% to 3%
Overview: Reward Funding provides asset finance from £100,000 to £5 million, aimed at manufacturers acquiring substantial production equipment, industrial machinery, or automated systems.
With rates from 0.99% and 24-hour decisions, it offers a cost-effective route for larger machinery investments. The revolving credit element can also support ongoing equipment upgrades across multiple production cycles.
Best next step: Check Reward Funding rates for your machinery investment.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Rates starting from 0.99%
- Funding up to £5 million available
- Revolving credit for ongoing needs
Need to know
- Minimum facility of £100,000 applies
- Security and valuations typically required
- Rates vary with risk profile
Expert take
Reward Funding's low headline rates and high upper limit make it attractive for manufacturers making significant capital investments. The revolving facility is a useful extra for businesses planning phased equipment upgrades.
Source:https://rewardfunding.co.uk/
Time Finance
Published loan rangeUp to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Time Finance offers asset finance up to £5 million alongside invoice finance, giving manufacturers a dual approach: fund machinery while unlocking cash tied up in unpaid B2B invoices.
Rates run from 5.5% to 13.5% with decisions typically within 24 hours. The combination of asset and invoice funding can strengthen cash flow during machinery acquisitions without straining working capital.
Best next step: Explore combined asset and invoice finance for manufacturing.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Asset finance up to £5 million
- Invoice finance also available
- Decisions typically within 24 hours
Need to know
- Rates range from 5.5% to 13.5%
- Invoice quality affects facility terms
- Security may be required
Expert take
Time Finance's dual offering is particularly relevant for manufacturing firms that supply on credit terms. Unlocking invoice value while funding new machinery can ease cash-flow pressure during expansion.
Source:https://www.timefinance.com/
Admiral leasing
Published loan rangeFrom £1,000
Rate typeinterest 5.5% to 13.5%
Overview: Admiral Leasing specialises in equipment leasing from as little as £1,000, making it accessible for smaller manufacturers needing individual machines, tools, or ancillary production equipment without large upfront commitments.
Funding decisions can arrive in as little as four hours, among the fastest turnaround times available. Rates range from 5.5% to 13.5%, covering a broad spectrum of manufacturing assets.
Best next step: Get an equipment leasing decision in hours.
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Leasing available from just £1,000
- Decisions in as little as four hours
- Covers most manufacturing equipment
Need to know
- Rates range from 5.5% to 13.5%
- Asset eligibility checks may apply
- Deposits could be required
Expert take
Admiral Leasing's low entry point and rapid turnaround make it a practical choice for small manufacturers or those trialling new equipment before committing to larger capital outlays.
Lloyds Bank
Published loan range£1,000 to £50,000
Rate typeinterest 10.65% to 11.2%
Overview: Lloyds Bank provides asset finance from £1,000 to £50,000, suited to smaller manufacturing machinery purchases. As a high-street bank, it offers familiarity and established lending processes.
With rates from 10.65% to 11.2%, pricing is transparent. Funding decisions take around 48 hours, slightly longer than specialist lenders but backed by bank-grade underwriting and relationship support.
Best next step: Consider Lloyds Bank for smaller machinery finance needs.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Finance from £1,000 to £50,000
- Transparent bank-grade pricing
- Established high-street lender
Need to know
- Rates range from 10.65% to 11.2%
- Decisions may take up to 48 hours
- Bank underwriting can be stricter
Expert take
Lloyds Bank suits manufacturers who value a familiar banking relationship and transparent terms over speed. The £50,000 ceiling keeps it focused on smaller equipment purchases and tooling investments.
Barclays
Published loan range£1,000 to £25,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8.5% to 14.9%
Overview: Barclays offers asset finance from £1,000 to £25 million, one of the widest ranges available. It can fund anything from a single lathe to a full-scale manufacturing facility upgrade.
With 24-hour decisions and rates from 8.5% to 14.9%, Barclays combines bank stability with competitive turnaround times. The broad product suite covers diverse manufacturing sectors and equipment types.
Best next step: Explore Barclays' wide manufacturing finance range.
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding from £1,000 to £25 million
- Decisions often within 24 hours
- Backed by a major UK bank
Need to know
- Rates range from 8.5% to 14.9%
- Bank underwriting standards apply
- Security and valuations likely needed
Expert take
Barclays' extraordinary funding range makes it suitable for manufacturers at any scale. The combination of bank backing and 24-hour decisions is a genuine advantage for time-sensitive machinery purchases.
Acorn Business Finance
Published loan range£15,000 to £5,000,000
Rate typeinterest 8% to 15%
Overview: Acorn Business Finance provides asset finance from £15,000 to £5 million, covering a broad range of manufacturing machinery including production lines, specialist tools, and heavy industrial equipment.
Rates range from 8% to 15% with decisions typically within 24 hours. Acorn also offers revolving credit and acquisition finance, useful for manufacturers scaling through asset purchases or phased upgrades.
Best next step: Check Acorn's rates for manufacturing equipment.
More info
Company stats
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding from £15,000 to £5 million
- Decisions typically within 24 hours
- Additional revolving credit available
Need to know
- Rates range from 8% to 15%
- Security and valuations may apply
- Minimum facility of £15,000
Expert take
Acorn Business Finance offers a solid middle-ground option for manufacturers. The £5 million ceiling accommodates serious equipment investment while the revolving credit facility adds ongoing flexibility for future needs.
Aldermore Asset finance
Published loan range£1,000 to £10,000,000
Rate typeinterest 5% to 15%
Overview: Aldermore Asset Finance offers funding from £1,000 to £10 million, covering everything from small manufacturing tools to large-scale production machinery across a wide range of industrial sectors.
With rates from 5% to 15% and decisions within 48 hours, Aldermore provides a broad lending appetite. Its wide range suits manufacturers at any stage of growth, from startups to established operations.
Best next step: See Aldermore's manufacturing asset finance range.
More info
Company stats
Eligibility
Loan range
Rates and debtor rules
Benefits
- Funding from £1,000 to £10 million
- Rates starting from 5%
- Covers diverse manufacturing assets
Need to know
- Rates range from 5% to 15%
- Decisions may take up to 48 hours
- Eligibility checks apply
Expert take
Aldermore's £10 million ceiling and broad rate band suggest it can accommodate a wide range of manufacturing businesses. The 48-hour decision window is reasonable for non-urgent machinery purchases.
Source:https://www.aldermore.co.uk/business/business-finance/asset-finance/
Asset Finance Calculator
Hire purchase vs leasing for UK manufacturing machinery finance
Most UK manufacturers use one of three structures to fund new machinery: hire purchase, finance lease, or operating lease. Each treats ownership, tax, and balance sheet positioning differently.
With hire purchase, you spread the cost over an agreed term and own the asset after the final payment. This suits manufacturers who want to keep machinery long term and claim capital allowances.
A finance lease lets you use the equipment without ever owning it. You pay rentals over the asset's working life and typically share in any sale proceeds at the end. The asset sits on your balance sheet.
An operating lease keeps the equipment off your balance sheet entirely. The lessor retains ownership and often handles maintenance. This works well for manufacturers upgrading technology frequently or running CNC machinery that may become obsolete.
| Feature | Hire Purchase | Finance Lease | Operating Lease |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ownership at end | Yes | No | No |
| On balance sheet | Yes | Yes | No |
| VAT treatment | Upfront on full cost | Spread across rentals | Spread across rentals |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Your responsibility | Often included |
How machinery finance supports growth in UK manufacturing
Buying production equipment outright can drain cash reserves that manufacturers need for raw materials, wages, and responding to new orders. Asset finance preserves working capital by spreading machinery costs across monthly payments that align with the income the equipment generates.
For manufacturers scaling up, finance lets you acquire automated production lines, robotic welding cells, or inspection systems without waiting years to save the full purchase price. This speed to market can mean the difference between winning a contract and losing it to a better-equipped competitor.
Many UK manufacturers also use asset finance to replace ageing machinery before it fails. Predictable monthly payments make budgeting easier than facing a sudden six-figure replacement bill when a critical machine breaks down. Lenders familiar with manufacturing understand asset lifecycles and can structure terms around expected working life, often up to seven years for heavy plant.
What equipment UK manufacturers can finance with asset finance
Asset finance covers a broad range of production equipment. UK lenders routinely fund CNC machining centres, lathes, milling machines, and turning centres. Injection moulding machines, blow moulding lines, and extrusion equipment are also commonly financed.
Beyond core production machinery, manufacturers can finance ancillary equipment such as industrial compressors, generators, boiler systems, and material handling kit including forklifts, conveyor systems, and automated storage and retrieval units.
Packaging and labelling machinery, industrial printing presses, metal fabrication equipment like press brakes and laser cutters, and quality control inspection systems all fall within standard asset finance scope. Even software integral to machine operation can sometimes be bundled into a finance agreement. Soft assets like bespoke tooling, jigs, and moulds may also qualify, though lenders typically prefer hard assets with clear resale value.
Getting manufacturing machinery finance in the UK with imperfect credit
Manufacturers with credit challenges can still secure machinery funding. Lenders assess the asset's value and your trading history, not just your credit score. A strong order book and consistent revenue often carry more weight than a past CCJ or missed payment.
Start by working with a specialist broker who understands manufacturing and can approach lenders likely to view your situation favourably. Be prepared to show management accounts, bank statements, and evidence of contracts or purchase orders. A larger deposit, typically 10% to 20%, can also improve your chances and reduce monthly payments.
Some lenders will consider manufacturers with only six months of trading history if the directors have relevant industry experience. Secured options using owned equipment or property as collateral may open doors to better rates. Focus on demonstrating that the new machinery will directly increase output or reduce costs, as this strengthens the business case for any lender.
FAQs
Manufacturing machinery finance is a type of asset finance that lets your business acquire production equipment without paying the full cost upfront. A lender purchases the machinery on your behalf and you repay the cost, plus interest, over an agreed term through fixed monthly payments. The machinery itself serves as security for the loan. Common structures include hire purchase, where you own the asset at the end of the term, and finance leasing, where you rent the equipment for a set period and may have options to extend, return or purchase at the end. The process typically starts with a quote from a machinery supplier, followed by a finance application, credit assessment, and then approval and payout directly to the supplier.
Most UK-registered manufacturing businesses can apply for machinery finance, including limited companies, partnerships and sole traders. Lenders typically look at your trading history, with many requiring at least two years of filed accounts, though some specialist providers will consider younger businesses. Your credit profile matters, but because the machinery acts as security, lenders may be more flexible than with unsecured borrowing. You will usually need to demonstrate that your business can afford the monthly repayments from existing cash flow. Startups and businesses with adverse credit may still be eligible but might face higher rates or be asked to provide a larger initial payment.
Rates for manufacturing machinery finance vary depending on the lender, the age and type of equipment, your business credit profile, and the size of the transaction. Terms commonly range from one to seven years, with repayments structured monthly to match your cash flow. Some lenders offer seasonal or flexible payment profiles tailored to manufacturing cycles. The interest rate you are offered will reflect the perceived risk, and it is always worth comparing quotes from multiple providers rather than accepting the first offer you receive. A broker can help you access a wider panel of lenders and more competitive pricing.
Asset finance is usually the more straightforward route for funding machinery, because the equipment itself secures the borrowing and the application process is typically faster. A commercial mortgage is secured against property rather than equipment, so it is better suited to long-term premises investment than individual machinery purchases. A secured business loan can be used for machinery and may offer longer terms and potentially lower rates if backed by a high-value asset like property, but the application process is generally more involved and slower. For most manufacturers, asset finance strikes the best balance of speed, simplicity and cost when acquiring production equipment.
Look for a provider with genuine experience in the manufacturing sector, not just general asset finance. They should understand production cycles, seasonal demand patterns and the specific machinery you are funding. Check whether they are directly authorised by the FCA and what their customer reviews say about speed and transparency. Good providers offer clear documentation with no hidden fees, and they should be upfront about early settlement terms. It also helps if they can fund a broad range of machinery types, from CNC equipment to packaging lines, and if they have flexible repayment structures that align with how your business earns revenue.
Most production equipment can be financed, including CNC machines, lathes, milling machines, injection moulding equipment, packaging machinery, printing presses, conveyor systems, robotic assembly lines, welding equipment and industrial boilers. Both new and used machinery can qualify, though used equipment may require an independent valuation and might attract different rates or shorter terms. Specialist or bespoke machinery may need a lender with relevant sector knowledge. Some providers also finance ancillary equipment such as forklifts, compressors, generators and IT systems that support the manufacturing process.
