GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance (CDF) announced a multi-year extension of its strategic inventory financing program in the U.S. with Schiller Grounds Care. Schiller, a manufacturer of landscaping, turf and grounds equipment, distributes its products through thousands of dealers across the country. Schiller has worked with CDF since 2009.
“The CDF team has provided tremendous value to our company through their in-depth knowledge of the lawn and garden industry, their financing experience and their business-intelligence offerings,” said Pat Cappucci, president and COO of Schiller Grounds Care. “Additionally, they have strong dealer and distributor relationships, making them the ideal lender for us.”
Schiller Grounds Care is headquartered in Southampton, PA and operates a manufacturing facility in Johnson Creek, WI. The company manufactures products under the brands Classen, Little Wonder, Mantis, BOB-CAT, Ryan and Steiner.
“We greatly value our relationship with Schiller and we are excited to work closely with them as they plan for future growth,” said Mike Horak, president of the outdoor products group at CDF. “Our team brings decades of experience in the lawn and garden industry and will serve as a trusted resource for Schiller.”
Inventory financing, also known as floorplan financing, enables dealers to stock a broad selection of new and used product. Manufacturers and distributors benefit from enhanced product flow and increased sales opportunities, and dealers obtain improved terms and credit availability.
GE Capital, Commercial Distribution Finance provided $36 billion in financing for more than 30,000 dealers and more than 3,000 distributors and manufacturers in the U.S. and Canada in 2014. Programs include inventory and accounts receivable financing, asset-based lending, private label financing, collateral management and related financial products.