Manufacturing finance Ireland for production companies

Split the need into equipment, stock and debtors. Machines are usually funded by hire purchase, leasing or a term loan; raw materials by stock or trade finance; and customer invoices by invoice discounting. Through Welcome Finance, manufacturing companies registered in Ireland (LTD, DAC, PLC or ULC) can apply, including start-ups, although most lenders look for some trading history. Lenders want filed accounts, management accounts, aged debtors, bank statements and a current tax clearance certificate.

Yes, if it qualifies. Equipment on SEAI's Triple E register can qualify for the Accelerated Capital Allowance (ACA), a 100% first-year write-off, instead of 12.5% a year over eight years for standard plant and machinery. The equipment must be owned rather than leased, and must be on the register when it is first provided, so check the register and the scheme's current terms with your accountant before you order.

Yes, stock or trade finance can fund raw materials and components, with repayment timed for when you deliver and invoice. Lenders look at your order book, supplier terms, stock turn and margins. Trade finance can pay an overseas supplier directly, which may help you negotiate better prices. Stock and trade finance are among the products our lender panel covers; share your production cycle and we'll tell you honestly whether it can help.

Many manufacturers use invoice discounting, where a funder advances a share of approved invoices, including to export customers, while you keep collecting payments yourself. Funders check customer quality, how concentrated your sales are and any rebate or retention arrangements. A working capital loan is another option where invoice finance doesn't fit. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.

Usually, through hire purchase or leasing from an asset finance provider, or a term loan. Lenders look at the machine's resale value, how it will increase output or cut costs, and the company's track record. Bespoke or built-in lines can be harder to fund because they're worth less once removed. Decide whether you need ownership to claim capital allowances or the ACA. Tell us what your company needs and we'll tell you honestly whether our panel can help, or where to apply instead.

Enterprise Ireland and LEO grants are usually paid in arrears or in stages, against vouched spending, so your company pays first. A loan or working capital facility can cover the gap until the grant arrives. Tell the lender about the grant and its conditions, and never rely on a grant that hasn't been approved in writing. If the grant is reduced, your company still owes the full amount borrowed.

Gross margin, how long cash is tied up in stock and debtors, customer concentration and your order book. A long cash conversion cycle, where materials are paid for months before customers pay, means you need more working capital as you grow, even when profitable. Expect to provide filed accounts, recent management accounts, aged debtor and creditor lists, bank statements and a current tax clearance certificate.

It can. Lenders look at how much of your turnover depends on one market or customer, and whether you have contracts or currency hedging in place. If export orders have been uneven, show recent order intake and how you would cover a slower quarter. A spread of customers and markets, and realistic forecasts, make an application stronger.