Look, I've been helping Michigan businesses get equipment financing for years, and I can tell you one thing - this state's got some serious industrial DNA. From the auto plants in Detroit to the medical device shops in Grand Rapids, Michigan companies know how to build things. Problem is, they don't always know how to finance the equipment they need to keep building.
That's where we come in. I'm Charles Barr with LVRG Business Funding, and we specialize in getting Michigan businesses the equipment financing they need - anywhere from $500K to north of $100 million. We work with lenders who actually understand manufacturing and aren't afraid of bigger deals.
Why Equipment Financing Makes Sense (Especially Right Now)
Here's the thing about Michigan - we're in the middle of a manufacturing renaissance. Electric vehicles, medical devices, aerospace components, renewable energy... there's money flowing into this state like I haven't seen in decades. But here's what kills me: I watch companies sitting on cash, afraid to spend it on equipment because they might need it for something else.
That's backwards thinking.
Preserve Your Capital - This Is Critical Right Now
Smart CFOs and controllers are hoarding cash and using lease funding for all their CAPEX and production equipment. Why? Because nobody knows what's coming next. Supply chain disruptions, material price spikes, labor shortages - you name it. We finance 100% of every project, so you can save your money for whatever lies ahead.
I can't tell you how many times I've seen companies drain their cash buying equipment outright, then get caught short when a big opportunity comes along. Don't be that company. Keep your cash, finance your equipment, and stay flexible.
Get the Latest Technology or Fall Behind
Here's a wake-up call: if you're losing jobs because your current equipment can't handle the load, you're already behind. Staying competitive in the 21st century means your equipment needs to be up to the challenge of high-efficiency production and automation.
I worked with a machine shop in Detroit that was turning down contracts because their old CNC machines couldn't hit the tolerances. They were literally watching business walk out the door. We got them financed for new equipment, and within six months they were running three shifts and had a backlog of orders.
Your competitors aren't standing still - neither should you.
The state's economy is firing on all cylinders right now:
Detroit's not just cars anymore - it's EV batteries, autonomous systems, advanced materials
Grand Rapids has become a medical device powerhouse
Our aerospace sector is booming with both commercial and defense contracts
Food processing is huge thanks to Michigan's agricultural base
And don't get me started on renewable energy - wind and solar projects everywhere
Detroit Equipment Financing - Beyond the Big Three
Detroit's changed, but it's still the heart of American manufacturing. The difference now is the sophistication. These aren't your grandfather's assembly lines - we're talking about robotics, precision machining, advanced composites.
Last month I closed a deal with a Tier 1 supplier who needed $2.3 million for CNC machining centers. They'd been trying to get financing through their bank for six months - kept getting the runaround. We had them approved and funded in three weeks. Why? Because our lenders understand that when Ford or GM calls with a contract, you better be ready to deliver.
That supplier's now running three shifts and just landed two more contracts worth $15 million annually. That's the power of having the right equipment at the right time.
Common stuff we finance in Detroit:
CNC machines and precision equipment (this is huge right now)
Industrial robotics and automation
3D printing equipment for prototyping and production
Quality control and testing equipment
Material handling systems
Grand Rapids - More Than Just Furniture
Grand Rapids surprised me when I first started working this market. Sure, there's still furniture manufacturing, but it's evolved into this diverse industrial hub. Medical devices, food processing, logistics - you name it.
I worked with a furniture manufacturer there who was still using equipment from the 1990s. Family-owned, third generation, stubborn as hell about debt. Finally convinced them to finance $1.8 million in new CNC woodworking equipment. Their productivity jumped 40% in the first year, and now they're talking about expanding into a second facility.
The beauty of Grand Rapids is the entrepreneurial spirit. These companies aren't afraid to innovate, they just need the right financial partner to make it happen.
Medical Device Equipment Financing - FDA Compliance Is Expensive
Michigan's medical device sector is exploding, but here's what most people don't realize - FDA compliance is incredibly capital-intensive. Clean rooms, specialized manufacturing equipment, testing systems... it adds up fast.
I recently worked with a Grand Rapids company developing surgical instruments. They needed $4.2 million for a sterile manufacturing facility. The challenge? They were in the middle of FDA approval and couldn't predict exactly when revenue would start flowing. We structured an operating lease that gave them flexibility during the approval process, then they hit the ground running once they got cleared.
Medical device financing is tricky because:
Equipment needs to meet FDA standards (expensive)
Approval timelines are unpredictable
Technology evolves quickly
Cash flow can be lumpy
But when you get it right, these companies scale fast. That Grand Rapids company I mentioned? They're already talking about a second facility.
Automotive Equipment Financing - The EV Revolution
The automotive industry in Michigan is going through its biggest transformation since Henry Ford invented the assembly line. Electric vehicles, autonomous systems, advanced materials - it's like a whole new industry.
I closed a $12 million deal with a supplier in Lansing who needed equipment for EV battery component production. The trick was structuring it right - we used operating leases for the rapidly-evolving technology components and capital leases for the long-term production assets. Why? Because EV technology is changing so fast, they needed flexibility to upgrade.
That supplier is now working with three major OEMs and just broke ground on a second facility. But here's the kicker - they almost passed on the opportunity because they were worried about the investment. Sometimes you have to take calculated risks to stay competitive.
The Industries We're Seeing Growth In
Advanced Manufacturing: This is where Michigan really shines. Multi-axis CNC machines, additive manufacturing, industrial robotics - companies are investing heavily in Industry 4.0 technology.
Food Processing: Michigan's agricultural base supports a massive food processing industry. Automated packaging, processing equipment, cold storage - there's consistent demand here.
Healthcare: Hospitals and medical facilities are upgrading equipment constantly. Imaging systems, surgical equipment, laboratory automation - healthcare never stops investing.
Energy: Both traditional and renewable. Wind farms, solar installations, grid infrastructure - Michigan's geographic position makes it ideal for energy projects.
Logistics: With Michigan's location and transportation infrastructure, we're seeing huge demand for warehouse automation, fleet vehicles, and material handling equipment.
How We Structure These Deals (And the Tax Benefits You Need to Know About)
Operating Leases: This is where the tax magic happens. Lease payments can often be written off as business expenses, which significantly lowers the net cost of your lease. Plus, you get flexibility with rapidly-evolving technology and can upgrade when newer equipment comes out. Your accountant will love this structure.
Capital Leases: Best when you want to build equity in the equipment while still getting depreciation benefits. You're essentially buying it over time, which works well for core production assets that you'll use for years.
Equipment Loans: Straightforward financing with competitive rates. You own the equipment immediately, pay it off over time, and can take advantage of Section 179 deductions and bonus depreciation.
Sale-Leaseback: Convert existing equipment into working capital while keeping the tax advantages. We've done this with companies that needed cash for expansion but didn't want to lose their equipment.
The tax benefits alone can make equipment financing a no-brainer. I always tell clients to talk to their accountant about the potential savings - it's often substantial.
Why Work With LVRG Business Funding?
Honestly? Because we get deals done that others can't or won't.
Our lenders have deep pockets and aren't afraid of complex transactions. When traditional banks say no, we find a way. I've structured deals for seasonal businesses, rapid-growth companies, multi-location operations - situations where conventional lenders just throw up their hands.
We move fast too. Most of our credit decisions come back within 2-10 business days. Michigan businesses don't have time to wait around for months while banks committee everything to death.
And here's something important - we actually understand Michigan's industrial landscape. When a company tells me they need equipment for EV battery production or medical device manufacturing, I know what they're talking about. That industry knowledge helps us structure better deals.
What We Need From You
Look, I'm not going to sugarcoat this - we need to see that your business makes sense. That means:
Financial statements that show you're making money (or have a clear path to profitability)
Positive cash flow that supports the equipment payments
Management team that knows what they're doing
Clear plan for how the equipment will generate ROI
We're not looking for perfection, but we need to see a solid business case. I've approved deals for companies with challenges, but there has to be a logical path to success.
Complex Deals Are Our Specialty
Some of the most interesting deals I've done involved unique situations:
Multi-location transactions across several Michigan facilities
Seasonal businesses with variable cash flow
International equipment purchases
Companies with rapid growth but limited financial history
Equipment requiring specialized installation or integration
If your situation isn't straightforward, that's actually where we shine. The cookie-cutter deals can go to the banks. We like solving problems.
Getting Started
If you're ready to talk equipment financing, give me a call at 855-998-5874 or email me at cbarr@lvrgllc.com.
I'll review your situation, ask some questions about your equipment needs and timeline, then prepare a customized proposal. No generic term sheets - every deal is structured specifically for your situation.
Michigan's got tremendous industrial momentum right now. Companies that invest in the right equipment today are going to dominate their markets tomorrow. The question is: do you want to be one of them?
Don't let outdated equipment cost you business. Don't drain your cash reserves on equipment purchases. And don't miss out on tax advantages that could save you thousands.
Let's get you the equipment you need while preserving your capital and keeping you competitive. Michigan's economy is firing on all cylinders - make sure your equipment is too.
