StepIn®, a strategic approach to financing cleanroom infrastructure
At ABN Cleanroom Technology, we believe that access to advanced cleanroom environments should not be limited by financial barriers. Controlled environments are essential for industries that shape the future, from life sciences and healthcare to advanced manufacturing and microelectronics. Yet many organizations face significant challenges when trying to realize these critical facilities.
The combination of high upfront capital costs, lengthy approval processes, and limited liquidity often slows down or even halts progress. Many companies with strong potential are forced to postpone projects because conventional financing models are not aligned with the speed at which innovation must move.
StepIn was designed to change this dynamic. It offers companies a flexible and financially balanced model to accelerate cleanroom projects without compromising financial stability.
A balanced model for smarter capital allocation
StepIn combines capital expenditure and operational expenditure into a single, structured solution. By splitting the investment, companies can significantly reduce their initial financial commitment while maintaining full operational capability.
The structure consists of two equal parts:
50% Upfront payment
Covers the fixed and structural elements such as walls, ceilings, flooring, and initial system validations.
50% OPEX
Covers technical systems and services including HVAC, cooling, monitoring, maintenance, and service contracts. This portion is distributed over time through a lease or rental agreement.
Accelerating decision-making and preserving financial flexibility
Lower upfront capital requirements simplify internal approval processes, often one of the most significant bottlenecks in cleanroom projects. The predictable nature of the operational expenses enables companies to plan and control costs more effectively. Depending on the chosen lease structure, the impact on the balance sheet can also be optimized.
StepIn offers several key advantages:
- Faster internal approvals due to reduced capital outlay
- Predictable and controlled operational costs
- Limited balance sheet exposure depending on lease type
- Comprehensive service package including maintenance and compliance validations
- Accelerated project timelines and faster time to market
Supporting strategic growth in critical industries
In markets where timing, flexibility, and capital efficiency are key drivers of success, StepIn provides a pragmatic alternative to conventional financing. It enables companies to move forward without waiting for full capital allocation or complex approval cycles. We recognize that cleanroom technology delivers its full societal and economic impact only when it is widely accessible.
StepIn is not just a financing model. It is a strategic tool for organizations that want to secure their growth while maintaining financial agility. Build fast. Pay flexibly. Move forward with confidence.
