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Leasing & Financing

Whether you are a business executive looking to invest in new equipment or a vendor seeking financing options for your clients, you can leverage flexible financing through First American.

Case Studies

See firsthand how organizations have achieved their goals with customized financing from First American.

Manufacturing | Manufacturing Equipment

Manufacturer Diversifies Funding to Support Long-term Growth Initiatives

Fast Facts

Industry

Manufacturing

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Organization

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, Manitowoc, WI

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Client Since

2024

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Equipment Financed

$2,700,000 of Okuma CNC machines 

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Financing Structure

60-month $1 buyout lease

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Industry Specific Fact

An industry-leading foundry for over 115 years

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Industry

Manufacturing

Star icon

Organization

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry, Manitowoc, WI

Building Icon

Equipment Financed

$2,700,000 of Okuma CNC machines

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Scaling Production Without Constraining Liquidity

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) has delivered high-quality custom aluminum components for more than 115 years, steadily expanding its operations to meet growing demand. As production volumes increased, WAF began to reach capacity on its primary bank line of credit, limiting flexibility for additional equipment investments.

To continue scaling, WAF needed an alternative way to fund new equipment while maintaining liquidity and financial flexibility to support future growth.

WAF needed to expand production capacity to meet growing demand.

“What made an impression on us was First American took the time to visit and were listening throughout the process of what our needs were.”

– Joshua Guay, CFO, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry

Tailored Financing Aligned to Growth and Tax Objectives

WAF’s objective was to expand production capacity to support two new large contracts while keeping their primary bank line available for ongoing expansion needs. The project included adding three new CNC machines to increase throughput and meet contract timelines.

 

Retaining tax depreciation benefits was an important consideration for WAF, so First American structured a solution that allowed them to capture the full tax benefits associated with the new equipment. By aligning the financing terms with projected returns, they were able to move forward without delaying production, constraining liquidity, or limiting flexibility as they continue to grow.

Scaling Production Without Constraining Liquidity

Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry (WAF) has delivered high-quality custom aluminum components for more than 115 years, steadily expanding its operations to meet growing demand. As production volumes increased, WAF began to reach capacity on its primary bank line of credit, limiting flexibility for additional equipment investments.

To continue scaling, WAF needed an alternative way to fund new equipment while maintaining liquidity and financial flexibility to support future growth.

WAF needed to expand production capacity to meet growing demand.

Tailored Financing Aligned to Growth and Tax Objectives

WAF’s objective was to expand production capacity to support two new large contracts while keeping their primary bank line available for ongoing expansion needs. The project included adding three new CNC machines to increase throughput and meet contract timelines.

Retaining tax depreciation benefits was an important consideration for WAF, so First American structured a solution that allowed them to capture the full tax benefits associated with the new equipment. By aligning the financing terms with projected returns, they were able to move forward without delaying production, constraining liquidity, or limiting flexibility as they continue to grow.

“What made an impression on us was First American took the time to visit and were listening throughout the process of what our needs were.”

– Joshua Guay, CFO, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry

Increased Capacity Supports New Contracts and Long-Term Growth

By diversifying their funding sources and adding First American as a complement to their primary bank, WAF gained greater financial flexibility while continuing to scale production. The financing structure supported the addition of three new CNC machines, enabling them to fulfill two new large contracts without sacrificing capacity or liquidity.

First American’s dedicated project management team worked directly with the equipment vendor to coordinate funding and delivery, helping streamline execution and allowing WAF to stay focused on operations, expansion, and day-to-day priorities.

“First American prides itself with not only their expertise in equipment financing but their reputation and dedicated project management.”

– Joshua Guay, CFO, Wisconsin Aluminum Foundry

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