GE Capital’s Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) business announced that it plans to expand its inventory financing capabilities and coverage of the commercial foodservice and refrigeration industries across the U.S. and Canada. CDF has been providing inventory financing to the foodservice industry since 1995.

CDF is focused on developing inventory financing programs with manufacturers of specialized equipment for the bakery, dairy, meat, snack and juice markets, among others, as well as makers of specialized equipment such as slicers, roasters, choppers and presses. Dealers that supply the restaurant and hotel industries in particular often carry a wide range of industrial equipment from different manufacturers and distributors.

“Many foodservice equipment manufacturers use their valuable working capital to fund dealer purchases,” said Linda Fiore, CDF’s managing director of new relationship development. “We have a dedicated team of industry specialists who work with these manufacturers to optimize dealer financing programs to fit their specific needs. For example, offering equipment dealers the ability to make larger purchases with extended repayment terms can really help companies in this major segment of the food industry grow their sales.”

GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance provided nearly $31 billion in financing for more than 33,000 dealers and 2,000 distributors and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in 2012. Programs include inventory and accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management and related financial products.