TL;DR: Financial leasing is the most popular form of financing foam cutting machines in Poland. The monthly installment may be lower than the profit generated by the machine in the first month of operation. EU grants can cover 50-70% of purchase costs for SMEs.
Financial leasing - the most common form of purchasing machines
Financial leasing (capital) is a form of financing in which the lessee uses the machine for the entire leasing period, and after its end, the machine becomes the property for a symbolic buy-out amount.
Key features of financial leasing:
- The machine appears on the company's balance sheet as a fixed asset
- Tax depreciation on the lessee's side
- VAT paid upon purchase (one-off or in installments)
- Leasing period: 24–60 months
- Required own contribution: 10-30% of the machine's value
For DZIERGWA machines worth PLN 100,000-500,000, the monthly installment for a 48-month lease with a 20% own contribution is approximately PLN 1,500-7,500 per month**.
Operational leasing – for whom?
Operational leasing is a form similar to rental - the machine remains the property of the lessor throughout the entire contract period, and the installments are the entire cost of obtaining income.
In practice, operational leasing of production machines is less common - financial institutions prefer financial leasing for durable goods with a long economic life (10-20 years for DZIERGWA machines).
EU grants for SMEs - up to 70% funding
Foam and furniture producers in Poland can apply for subsidies for the purchase of machines from the following programs:
European funds for a modern economy (FENG 2021-2027):
- Measure: Loan for Technological Innovations
- Co-financing: up to 70% for micro-enterprises, 60% for small enterprises, 50% for medium-sized enterprises
- Required element of technological innovation
Regional Operational Programs (RPO):
- Different in each province
- Co-financing for the purchase of machinery and equipment: 40–60%
- Less formal requirements than national programs
PARP - Polish Agency for Enterprise Development:
- "SME Development" program - machines, devices, technological lines
DZIERGWA has experience in cooperation with companies applying for funding - we can help in preparing the technical specifications of the machine for the application.
ROI calculation - when does the machine pay off?
Example for an upholstery plant investing in a PPA cutter (value PLN 150,000):
Data:
- Performance increase: +300 m² of foam/shift
- Margin on material: PLN 15/m²
- Additional profit: 300 × 15 = PLN 4,500/shift
- Work in 2 shifts: PLN 9,000/day
- Working days: ~22/month
- Additional income: ~ PLN 198,000/month at full occupancy
Even with 30% occupancy (PLN 60,000/month), the machine pays for itself within 3-5 months. Full ROI analysis is available free of charge - contact our sales team.
Prices of DZIERGWA machines and cost analysis: How much does a foam cutting machine cost.
Formal requirements for leasing the machine
To obtain a lease for a production machine, a company usually needs:
- Minimum 12-24 months of activity
- Positive credit history (BIK for companies)
- Financial statements for the last 1-2 years
- No bailiff seizures and ZUS/US arrears
Newer companies can use guarantor leasing or programs for industrial startups.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can you lease a DZIRGWA machine without your own contribution?
Standard leasing requires a 10-30% contribution. However, there are leasing products without own contribution - usually at a higher interest rate or with additional security. It is worth asking several leasing companies.
Can the EU subsidy be combined with leasing?
Yes, this is a popular solution. The subsidy covers, for example, 50% of the cost of the machine, and the remaining 50% is financed by leasing. However, this requires the correct sequence of steps and coordination with the granting institution - legal assistance or a grant advisor is advisable.
Contact us — we'll be happy to advise and prepare an offer tailored to your needs!