Shona Barnthouse No Comments

Alliance Funding Group Welcomes Barry Shafran as Chairman

TUSTIN, CA / January 27, 2025/ Alliance Funding Group (“AFG”) is pleased to announce the appointment of Barry Shafran as Chairman. Mr. Shafran was the Founder, CEO, and Director of Chesswood Group Limited, as well as the CEO of Pawnee Leasing Corporation, until 2020. During his tenure, he oversaw almost twenty years of consistent growth in earnings and portfolio.

Mr. Shafran brings a diverse background that includes managing all aspects of a public equipment finance business. His expertise spans driving growth and profitability, developing and executing strategic initiatives, risk management, treasury operations, fundraising in both private and public markets, investor relations, strategic mergers and acquisitions, and the oversight and guidance of management teams.

“AFG has grown significantly over the past five years, including the emergence of our on-balance sheet portfolio across both small ticket and middle market segments, with $750MM+ in AUM. As we continue that growth, Barry will bring to AFG his considerable experience in risk management, portfolio growth, strategic planning, and team building,” said Brij Patel, CEO of AFG. “I look forward to working with Barry in building a formidable specialty finance company while maintaining the culture of AFG. This culture has been instrumental to our success in attracting best in class talent.”

AFG has funded over $3B in equipment leases, loans and working capital to more than 25,000 customers since 1998 and is ranked as one of the fastest-growing independent leasing companies in the US.

Shona Barnthouse No Comments

The Resurgence of the Manufacturing Industry: A $1 Trillion Shift Unveiled

The Resurgence of Manufacturing: A $1 Trillion Shift Unveiled

The manufacturing industry in the United States is currently undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and substantial investments. A recent report by Goldman Sachs highlights this trend, with over $1 trillion invested in manufacturing and infrastructure, signaling substantial growth and innovation in the industry. This period of change presents valuable opportunities for manufacturing businesses, and we are here to provide insights and support to navigate this evolving landscape.

The Emerging Trend in Manufacturing Investments

Recent data underscores the scale of this industrial resurgence, with a substantial increase in projects, particularly in semiconductor manufacturing, electric vehicle and battery plants, and clean energy projects. Notably, semiconductor plants account for a significant portion of these investments, totaling $222 billion. These figures signify a shift toward a more advanced and sustainable manufacturing ecosystem in the U.S.

Understanding the Current Scenario

Goldman Sachs’ analysis also reveals a notable increase in project activities, with projections indicating more than $80 billion in investments for both 2022 and 2023. This is a substantial contrast to the average annual investment of $23 billion observed from 2011 to 2021. However, it’s important to note that these are early stages, and a majority of equipment orders are yet to be fulfilled.

Grasping Project Timelines and Challenges

These investments often entail significant delays between project announcements and equipment orders. For instance, while a non-residential construction project might take 18–24 months from groundbreaking to production initiation, a semiconductor plant can take 36–60 months. Manufacturers must understand and plan for these delays.

Adapting to Capital-Intensive Venture

We recognize that stepping into or expanding within the manufacturing sector demands substantial financial resources. Our approach at AFG revolves around developing customized financing solutions aimed at easing the initial financial load, all while prioritizing manageable terms and efficient cost management strategies.

As we witness a substantial transformation in the U.S. manufacturing industry, it becomes apparent that we are entering a new era of industrial development. This shift presents various challenges and opportunities, particularly in the realm of financial planning and equipment financing & investments. At AFG, our commitment lies in offering support to comprehend these shifts, adapt strategies accordingly, and prosper in this dynamic phase of American manufacturing.