"Right from the start, my banks aren't in the business of financing my production equipment," he declares, somewhat provocatively. "I prefer to reserve my borrowing capacity for real estate investments or external growth operations."

When it comes to financing laser cutting machines or welding robots, Éric Rassinoux has always relied on the creativity of machine tool manufacturers. However, following a compressor breakdown, he gradually embraced leasing: "It was a disaster, none of the machines were operational. I opted for a full-service leasing contract to avoid such a scenario."

This transition led him to integrate leasing into his business model. Presently, a third of his clients utilize this financing method, with its popularity on the rise. "The benefits are so evident that more and more industrialists are embracing it. It's a real shift in mindset, supported by the younger generations," he notes.

Indeed, the usage economy offers various advantages: equipment reliability, obsolescence management, cost adjustment during implementation, and more. Leasing also simplifies decision-making processes and provides financial benefits, such as no debt on the balance sheet and no upfront payment of VAT.

This virtuous economy also fosters the financing of used equipment and retrofitting, thereby extending the lifespan of machines.

At the core of this system are financial partners such as Corhofi, Leasy, and Siemens Financial Services. Each assumes financial risk while offering tailored solutions. The goal is to simplify and diversify financing options by adjusting parameters like residual value, payment schedules, and engagement duration. "Financing is a crucial sales tool, especially in the production machinery sector. Today, the agri-food market is fully ripe for such offerings," asserts Mickaël Touboul, Deputy CEO of Leasy.

Discussing financing should no longer be taboo. On the contrary, it could help highlight the benefits of using new equipment and potentially serve as a differentiating factor for French manufacturers.