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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.

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Case Studies

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

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Food & Beverage | Manufacturing Equipment

Financing: The Secret Ingredient for Sustainable Growth

Fast Facts

Industry

Food & Beverage

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Organization

SugarCreek Packing Co., Washington Court House, OH

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Client Since

2020

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Equipment Financed

Various manufacturing and automation equipment

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Financing Structure

84-month FMV lease

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Industry Specific Fact

SugarCreek has been continually recognized across the food manufacturing industry for their impressive environmental, health, and safety achievements.

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Industry

Food & Beverage

Star icon

Organization

SugarCreek Packing Co., Washington Court House, OH

Building Icon

Equipment Financed

Various manufacturing and automation equipment

Money icon

Co-Packer Seeks to Scale Operations for Continued Success

SugarCreek is a renowned food manufacturer that works with some of the industry’s largest and best-known companies, leading the food and beverage space in everything from marketing trends to packaging and logistics. In 2016, SugarCreek celebrated 50 years in business, and wanted to ensure they were set up for success for the next 50 years and beyond. To do so, SugarCreek needed to streamline logistics and automation to increase and enhance their operational efficiencies.

“We have been in growth mode for three decades now without stopping. Most of our capital acquisitions really fell into one of three categories, capability, productivity, and capacity."

– Tom Bollinger, CFO, SugarCreek Packing Co.

"First American was able to put together structures that fit our needs - [both for] cash flow, as well as timing."

– Tom Bollinger, CFO, SugarCreek Packing Co.

Flexible Financing is a Great Fit for Food & Beverage Business

While SugarCreek was already familiar with equipment financing generally, meeting the First American team showed them how leasing could be a complement to their existing banking relationships. Not only did the flexible financing solutions fit their needs, it was First American's exceptional project management and industry expertise that truly set them apart.

 

SugarCreek was thrilled to gain a dedicated team who specializes in the food and beverage industry, ensuring smooth execution of their complex projects. Additionally, they appreciated the transparency and efficiency of using their First American online account to help keep track of invoices, payments, and project deadlines. Fast and accurate communication also ensured that the projects were implemented on time and vendors were paid promptly.

Co-Packer Seeks to Scale Operations for Continued Success

SugarCreek is a renowned food manufacturer that works with some of the industry’s largest and best-known companies, leading the food and beverage space in everything from marketing trends to packaging and logistics. In 2016, SugarCreek celebrated 50 years in business, and wanted to ensure they were set up for success for the next 50 years and beyond. To do so, SugarCreek needed to streamline logistics and automation to increase and enhance their operational efficiencies.

“We have been in growth mode for three decades now without stopping. Most of our capital acquisitions really fell into one of three categories, capability, productivity, and capacity."

– Tom Bollinger, CFO, SugarCreek Packing Co.

Flexible Financing is a Great Fit for Food & Beverage Business

While SugarCreek was already familiar with equipment financing generally, meeting the First American team showed them how leasing could be a complement to their existing banking relationships. Not only did the flexible financing solutions fit their needs, it was First American's exceptional project management and industry expertise that truly set them apart.

SugarCreek was thrilled to gain a dedicated team who specializes in the food and beverage industry, ensuring smooth execution of their complex projects. Additionally, they appreciated the transparency and efficiency of using their First American online account to help keep track of invoices, payments, and project deadlines. Fast and accurate communication also ensured that the projects were implemented on time and vendors were paid promptly.

"First American was able to put together structures that fit our needs - [both for] cash flow, as well as timing."

– Tom Bollinger, CFO, SugarCreek Packing Co.

A Lasting Impact: SugarCreek's Legacy Meets Innovation

Working with First American enabled SugarCreek to align their capital acquisitions with their expansion goals. Through a customized operating lease, SugarCreek benefited from end-of-term flexibility while still being able to utilize their preferred accounting treatment—leading to lower rates and lower monthly payments and freeing up capital for further investments. This allowed them to acquire more up-to-date equipment, improving packaging operations and upholding high environmental health and safety standards.

Since the beginning of their relationship, SugarCreek has worked with First American on several 7- and 8-figure manufacturing and automation projects, helping them quickly scale their operations and maintain their legacy as a top player in the food manufacturing business. First American’s knowledge and capabilities, as well as their ability to provide flexible financing continues helping SugarCreek achieve their goals.

“First American most definitely adds to the growth of SugarCreek."

– Debbie Powers, Capital Projects Fixed Asset Manager, SugarCreek Packing Co.

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