GE Finance and Bobcat: Fueling Construction Equipment Ownership

GE Capital, the financial services arm of General Electric (GE), played a significant role in supporting the growth of Bobcat, a leading manufacturer of compact construction equipment. Through various financing programs, GE Finance enabled Bobcat dealers and customers to acquire the equipment necessary to succeed in the construction, agriculture, landscaping, and other industries. This partnership was crucial in expanding Bobcat’s market reach and solidifying its position as an industry leader.

The Importance of Financing in the Construction Equipment Market

Construction equipment, like Bobcat skid-steer loaders, excavators, and utility vehicles, represents a substantial investment. Many businesses, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), rely on financing options to manage cash flow and avoid tying up significant capital. GE Finance recognized this need and developed specialized financing solutions tailored to the construction equipment sector. These solutions encompassed retail financing for end-users, wholesale financing for Bobcat dealers, and lease programs.

GE Finance’s Role: Supporting Dealers and Customers

GE Finance offered Bobcat dealers crucial floorplan financing, allowing them to stock a wide range of equipment on their showroom floors. This enabled dealers to meet customer demand quickly and efficiently, boosting sales and customer satisfaction. For end-users, GE Finance provided various loan and lease options, allowing them to acquire Bobcat equipment on terms that suited their budget and operational needs. These options included traditional installment loans, fair market value leases, and operating leases.

These flexible financing options made it possible for a wider range of customers to afford Bobcat equipment. Start-up businesses, established contractors, and even individual landowners could access the financing they needed to acquire the tools necessary to grow their operations. GE Finance’s expertise in the construction equipment market allowed them to accurately assess risk and offer competitive rates and terms, solidifying their reputation as a trusted financing partner.

Benefits of the GE Finance-Bobcat Partnership

The partnership between GE Finance and Bobcat yielded significant benefits for both companies and their customers. Bobcat benefited from increased sales and market share, driven by the availability of attractive financing options. Dealers benefited from enhanced inventory management and increased sales opportunities. Customers benefited from access to affordable financing, allowing them to acquire the Bobcat equipment they needed to succeed.

While GE Capital has undergone significant restructuring and divestitures in recent years, its legacy of supporting the construction equipment industry through partnerships like the one with Bobcat remains significant. This partnership served as a model for how financial services can empower businesses and contribute to economic growth.