The manufacturing industry is an ever-changing landscape that is critical in the development of a nation. Whether you’re a seasoned manufacturer who has plenty of experience under his belt or is a beginner willing to invest in something completely new, there’s plenty of opportunities out there to start a small-scale manufacturing business.
With the help of the Internet, starting a manufacturing business is more accessible to the average Joe than ever. There are even online marketplaces like Revalation Machinery that allow you can look for used manufacturing equipment to start off with.
But finding out where to get your equipment is only one part of the equation. You need to have an idea of what to manufacture. In this article, we’ll take a look at some simple small-scale manufacturing ideas that can be highly profitable.
Jewelry
There’s always a demand for jewelry, and you don’t have to go for the high-end precious metals sort. With some creativity, you can create your own line of jewelry targeting specific customer groups such as high school and university students.
When it comes to jewelry, competition is tough so you will need to stand out. Sure, you may have your customer groups, but what’s the story behind your jewelry? What’s the main theme that makes your brand unique? This could range from supporting sustainable fashion to saving the turtles.
Your customers don’t just want the bling, they want something they can identify themselves with.
If you don’t want to deal with the process of starting your own jewelry line, another option you can consider is by manufacturing jewelry for other independent designers and brands.
Paper Bags
In 2020, no one wants to be seen lugging around plastic bags anymore. Plastic is polluting our environment at a ridiculous scale and consumers are becoming more environmentally aware. This being said, paper bags are making a comeback!
You might be wondering… “won’t I need a huge factory with employers running around non-stop?”
The short answer is no. You can start off with just one or two machines, and scale up as you progress. Buying fully-automated machines may cost more upfront (between $10,000-$20,0000), but you will need to hire less staff as compared to semi-automated paper bag machines.
But you do need proper planning. Not all paper bags are the same. Grocery bags are thicker and durable, while bags for food packaging must use materials that are non-toxic. The purpose of your bags will determine the materials and standards you need to follow or you risk the livelihood of your business.
Scented Candles
Manufacturing scented candles can be a very rewarding business. As scents can trigger memories (place, person, vibe, etc), you’re creating a business that provides sentimental value to your customers.
You can contribute a lot of creativity into your products, too. Some manufacturers form candles in the shape of animals and different objects, while some embed different jewels in them.
With scented candles, you have a pretty wide customer base. Don’t limit yourself to stay-at-home moms. They are used in spas, restaurants, weddings, and prayer rituals just to name a few applications.
However, since you will be working with flammable materials, it’s wise to take a look into your local zoning laws and insurance policy terms as you plan your workspace.
3D Printing
3D printing is a relatively new technology and is limited in terms of printing volume and materials, but you can still make money out of it. Most people with 3D printers make money by subcontracts.
What happens is that your client comes to you with the file(s) of a 3D model they’ve made using some sort of CAD software and asks you to print it. You then quote a price the both of you can agree on.
Once the printing is done, you can either send the finished product by post or physically hand it to them.
The benefit of this model is that you don’t have to deal with the complexity of designing the models. All you have to do is print.