Through the SieSmart Partner Portal from
Siemens Financial Services (SFS),
Haas UK typically receives financing decisions within 30sec — while retaining access to a dedicated account manager for specialist advice. Haas Automation is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of machine tools, producing over 18,000 machines every year. The company manufactures four major product lines — vertical machining centres (VMCs), horizontal machining centres (HMCs), CNC lathes, and rotary tables.
Haas’s UK team, based at its ‘state of the art’ head office in Norwich, offers financing solutions for manufacturing firms in-house, helping them acquire Haas machinery without overstretching finances.
SFS is a longstanding Haas partner, with the relationship dating back to 2016. Tim Ross, business finance manager at Haas Financial Services, explained: “Given that SFS’ parent company Siemens produces CNC controls, the team has an excellent understanding of the machine tool industry. For instance, they can provide slightly higher residual values (the estimated value of an asset at the end of its lease term or useful life) than other funders who have to approach external companies for valuations. With this knowledge and its digital platform, SFS provides exceptionally quick acceptances for financing requests.”
A few years ago, Haas requested a transition away from traditional brokerage processes, where applications were made over the telephone or via email. The vast majority of deals are now made on the SieSmart portal, with the team typically receiving an acceptance or referral within 30sec.
When there are unusual or more complex requests, Haas still has the option of picking up the telephone and speaking directly to SFS. Mr Ross said: “There are weeks where we only speak to the SFS team once, and then there are others where we call every day to get a trickier deal over the line, and they are always happy to help. Since we have been working together for so long, we are on the same wavelength and that makes conversations easier.”
Once an application has been made and documents submitted, payments are often made on the same day. Stefania Moruzzi, business development manager — UK Industry and Machine Tools at SFS, explained: “All our checks are completed at the beginning of the process, so there are no surprises or delays when it comes to payment — it is a seamless service. In the financial world, it is becoming increasingly rare for funders to maintain the kind of personal contact we have with Haas. It is not easy when you work with many brokers and suppliers, but we make it an ongoing priority to retain personal relationships, and that is what makes us special.”