Asset finance for tooling, moulds & jigs — manufacturing business loans

Short summary: Yes — tooling, moulds and jigs are commonly eligible for asset finance. UK Business Loans introduces UK manufacturers to lenders and brokers who can provide funding for tooling from around £10,000 upwards. Complete a free eligibility check to get matched with specialist providers and receive tailored quotes.

Quick answer — can tooling, moulds & jigs be financed?

Yes. Tooling, moulds and jigs are commonly eligible for asset finance. Typical funding products include hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases and specialist tooling finance packages. If your tooling costs from around £10,000, you can usually get matched with lenders or brokers able to quote. To start, get a Free Eligibility Check and receive tailored quotes from suitable providers: Get Quote Now.

Why tooling, moulds & jigs usually qualify for asset finance

Lenders commonly accept tooling, moulds and jigs because they are:

• Physical, identifiable assets that are used in business operations.
• Often high-value capital items with measurable useful lives (useful for underwriting).
• Potentially saleable in the second-hand market (depending on type and condition).

Examples include injection moulds, die sets, press tooling, CNC fixtures, jigs for assembly lines and specialised gauges. Lenders assess factors such as expected lifespan, level of customisation, replacement cost, and whether the asset has a residual value at the end of the finance term. Bespoke or highly specialised tooling may need specialist lenders or broker underwriting — this is something UK Business Loans can help arrange when you Get Quote Now.

Types of asset finance for tooling, moulds & jigs

Different finance products suit different needs. Common options include:

Hire Purchase

Pay fixed monthly instalments and usually own the tooling at the end of the agreement. Good when you want to own the asset outright and spread cost over its useful life.

Finance Lease

The lender owns the asset; you rent it for an agreed term with an option to buy at the end. Useful when you want lower initial cash outlay or budget flexibility.

Operating Lease

Shorter-term leases suitable for temporary projects, trials or when you don’t want ownership responsibilities.

Specialist Tooling Finance

Some brokers/lenders provide tailored packages for high-value, bespoke moulds and dye tooling — often with bespoke valuation and residual assumptions.

Asset Refinance / Top-up

If you already own tooling, you may be able to raise cash by refinancing existing equipment to fund growth or liquidity needs.

Typical scenarios:

• New injection mould costing £120,000 — hire purchase over 4 years to match asset life.
• Set of press tools at £35,000 — finance lease with low initial payment to preserve cashflow.
• Bespoke moulds for a new product — specialist tooling finance quoting based on replacement cost and expected orders.

Not sure which suits you? Complete a Free Eligibility Check to see which option matches your situation: Free Eligibility Check.

Typical terms, deposit & funding amounts

While every lender differs, indicative figures are:

• Minimum funding: typically from around £10,000 (many lenders specialise from this level upward).
• Advance rates: often 70–100% of the purchase price depending on asset type, condition and lender appetite.
• Typical terms: 12 months up to 7 years — matched to the expected economic life of the tooling.
• Deposits: 0–30% commonly — bespoke or higher-risk tooling may require a higher initial contribution.
• Rates: vary by lender and business credit profile — expect commercial finance rates set by the provider; UK Business Loans does not set or guarantee rates.

These are indicative only. For precise terms tailored to your tooling, please Get Quote Now for personalised proposals.

Eligibility criteria & documents lenders look for

Lenders typically consider both the business and the specific asset. Common criteria:

• UK-registered limited companies or LLPs (trading history and structure matter).
• Minimum funding requested (many lenders handle £10k+).
• Company turnover, profitability and director(s) credit history — options exist for imperfect credit but terms differ.
• Asset-specific details: supplier quote/invoice, age (new vs used), maintenance history and evidence of ownership/disposal rights.

Typical documents you may be asked to provide:

• Supplier quote or pro forma invoice for the tooling.
• Management accounts and most recent company accounts (1–3 years where available).
• VAT registration details and business contact information.
• Identification documents for directors (ID and proof of address) where required by providers.

Prepare these to speed quotes. When you complete our enquiry we’ll tell you exactly what the likely panel of providers will ask for: Get Quote Now.

Valuation, asset life & tax considerations

Valuation and depreciation matter to lenders. Key points:

• New tooling usually receives stronger advance rates and longer terms than older or heavily used assets.
• Bespoke tooling may require independent valuation or confirmation from the supplier about replacement cost and life expectancy.
• Tax treatment varies: many businesses claim capital allowances or use the Annual Investment Allowance (AIA) — check with an accountant for specifics.
• VAT treatment depends on finance type — e.g., VAT on purchase may be reclaimed differently to VAT on rental payments.

UK Business Loans can match you with brokers who understand tax-aware funding structures, but you should consult your accountant for definitive tax advice.

Pros & cons — is asset finance right for tooling, moulds & jigs?

Pros

• Preserve working capital — spread the cost rather than fronting full purchase price.
• Match payments to asset life — easier budgeting and cashflow planning.
• Access to higher-quality or faster replacement tooling to grow production capacity.

Cons

• Interest and fees increase total cost versus outright purchase.
• Lender security or restrictions may limit disposal or modification of bespoke tooling.
• Some bespoke tooling may be harder to finance without specialist underwriters.

If you need short-term working capital instead, other products (invoice finance or business loans) may be better. We’ll help you compare options when you Get Quote Now.

How UK Business Loans helps

We do not lend. Instead we:

• Collect a short, no-obligation enquiry with a few business and asset details.
• Match your request to lenders and brokers experienced in manufacturing asset finance.
• Pass your details to selected partners who will provide tailored quotes and next steps.

Submitting an enquiry is free and used only to match you with the best providers. Typical response times are fast — many businesses hear back within hours. Start your enquiry here: Free Eligibility Check.

Real-world examples

Example 1 — Plastic parts manufacturer

• Need: Two new injection moulds to expand a product line.
• Funding: £95,000 hire purchase over 4 years.
• Outcome: Preserved cashflow, faster production ramp-up and predictable monthly repayments.

Example 2 — Metal press shop

• Need: Replacement press tooling and jigs for a long-running contract.
• Funding: £42,000 finance lease with modest initial payment tailored to contract duration.
• Outcome: Ability to meet contract terms without diverting working capital from operations.

Want a similar outcome? Complete a quick enquiry: Get Quote Now.

Frequently asked questions

Can tooling, moulds and jigs be financed under asset finance through UK Business Loans?

Yes. Many lenders and brokers finance tooling, moulds and jigs. Eligibility depends on asset type, value, condition and your company’s financial profile. Use our free quick enquiry to find the best matches: Free Eligibility Check.

Is asset finance via UK Business Loans available for tooling, moulds and jigs?

Yes — our introducer service connects manufacturing businesses to providers offering hire purchase, finance leases and specialist tooling finance. We submit your details to selected partners who will contact you with quotes — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Are tooling, moulds and jigs eligible for asset finance with UK Business Loans?

Generally yes, but bespoke or obsolete tooling may require specialist underwriting. Complete the short form so we can match you to the most suitable panel of lenders or brokers.

How long does it take to get quotes?

Many lenders/brokers respond within hours during business days. Complex or high-value bespoke tooling may take longer while valuations are confirmed.

Will making an enquiry affect my credit score?

No — submitting our enquiry does not perform a credit search. Lenders may carry out credit checks later when you progress an application; we will make this clear before any checks occur.

Next steps — get started in three simple steps

1. Click to complete our short 90–120 second enquiry form: Get Started — Free Eligibility Check.
2. We match your business and tooling details to the most relevant lenders and brokers.
3. Receive tailored quotes and choose the provider you prefer — there’s no obligation to proceed.

Want further reading on manufacturing finance options? See our dedicated manufacturing business loans page on manufacturing business loans.

Important: UK Business Loans does not provide loans or regulated financial advice. We act as an introducer, matching businesses to lenders and brokers. All finance is provided by third-party providers and terms, eligibility and rates vary. Our service is free and non‑binding. Typical funding levels handled start from around £10,000.

1. Can tooling, moulds and jigs be financed with asset finance?
Yes — tooling, moulds and jigs are commonly eligible for asset finance and can be funded via hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases or specialist tooling finance.

2. What types of asset finance suit tooling, moulds and jigs?
Common options for tooling finance include hire purchase, finance leases, operating leases, specialist tooling packages and asset refinance/top‑up facilities.

3. What is the minimum funding amount for tooling finance?
Many lenders and brokers handle tooling finance from around £10,000 upwards, with larger facilities available for high‑value moulds and die sets.

4. What typical terms, deposits and advance rates should I expect?
Indicative terms are usually 12 months to 7 years, deposits commonly 0–30% and advance rates often 70–100% depending on asset type, age and lender appetite.

5. What eligibility criteria and documents do lenders usually require?
Lenders typically want a supplier quote or invoice, company accounts or management accounts, VAT details, and director ID/credit history, with eligibility depending on company structure, turnover and asset specifics.

6. Will submitting a UK Business Loans enquiry affect my credit score?
No — completing our free eligibility enquiry is not a credit application and does not trigger a credit search, although lenders may perform checks later if you progress.

7. How long does it take to get quotes for tooling finance?
Many manufacturers receive responses from matched lenders or brokers within hours on business days, while bespoke or high‑value tooling may require longer for valuations.

8. Can bespoke or highly specialised tooling be financed?
Yes — bespoke tooling can be financed but often requires specialist lenders, independent valuation or bespoke underwriting by brokers experienced in tooling finance.

9. Can I refinance existing tooling to raise cash for growth?
Yes — asset refinance or top‑up facilities can release equity from owned tooling to support working capital, expansion or new equipment purchases.

10. Is the UK Business Loans enquiry form an application for finance?
No — the short enquiry form is only used to match your business with suitable lenders and brokers and is not a formal loan application.