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50 Small Scale Manufacturing Business ideas That Cost Little to Start

Gas Cylinder Manufacturing is an Example Manufacturing Business idea

Do you want to start a manufacturing company? If YES, here are 50 profitable small scale manufacturing business ideas that cost little to start with high ROI.

One of the major vehicles that drive the economy of any nation is the manufacturing industry. Countries that are considered to be industrialized, advanced and economically buoyant are countries with vibrant and active manufacturing sector.

No doubt the manufacturing industry is indeed an industry that is wide and all – encompassing – simply because manufacturing is all about producing goods, equipment, chemicals, machines, et al.

As a matter of fact, almost all the industries in the world rely on the manufacturing industry so as to effectively function.

For example; the medical and health industry depends on the manufacturing industry to manufacture most of their equipment, tools and supplies that they need to function.

So, also is the agricultural industry which depends on the manufacturing industry to function; the machineries, the chemicals, and the tools that they make use of.

If you are considering going into the manufacturing industry, you have the option of starting on a small scale (production of components, homemade supplies, et al).

You could choose to start on a medium scale and lastly you could choose to become a major player by starting on a large scale.

Now let us quickly go through 50 business ideas that you can choose from if you want to start a business in the manufacturing industry;

Small Scale Manufacturing Business ideas

A. Exercise Book Production

B. Foam Production

C. Tissue Paper Production

Small Scale Manufacturing Business ideas

  1. Manufacturing of Children’s Toys

Children all over the world can easily relate with toys no matter the language they speak or the color of their skins. This goes to show that there is a very large market for children’s toys.

So, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing sector, you can consider going into the manufacturing of children’s toys. Just like any other business, if you are able to break into the market you will sure make huge profits from this business.

  1. Manufacturing of Papers and Notebooks

Although the campaign for preserving trees and our ecosystem is gaining prominence and people are encouraged to reduce the numbers of papers they use – especially if they have options, but the fact remains that there is a very large market for the paper industry.

The market cuts across all sectors because people need papers in schools, in offices and everywhere businesses are conducted.

Hence, if you live in a country where you can easily get permits to fall trees, then you should consider starting papers and notebooks manufacturing business. It is indeed a profitable business.

  1. Electric Bulb and Electrical Fittings Production

Electric bulbs and electrical fittings are found in buildings that you can find around you, except in places where civilization and electricity has not reached. This goes to show that there is a global market for electric bulbs and electrical fittings.

As such, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry; a business whose products can easily attract buyers, then you should consider going into the production of electric bulbs and electrical fittings.

Although the market for electric bulbs and electrical fittings is competitive, but if you are creative with your production, you are likely not going to struggle to get your own market share.

  1. Kitchen Utensils and Cutleries Manufacturing

Pots, kettles, fry pans, cutleries and other kitchen utensils are essentials in our homes, canteens, restaurants, and hotels et al. Food is the number one need of humans and almost in all cases.

Kitchen utensils are used either in the process of preparing foods or during eating. This goes to show that there is a large market for kitchen utensils and cutleries.

As a matter of fact, there is hardly any household where you aren’t going to find kitchen utensils and cutleries. So, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry, going into the manufacturing of kitchen utensils and cutleries won’t be a bad idea.

  1. Drugs Manufacturing

Drug Manufacturing Pharmaceutical Business

Another business that you should consider starting if you are interested in the manufacturing industry is drugs manufacturing.

There are several types of drugs; generic and non – generic that you can start manufacturing. Please note that the drug manufacturing industry is highly regulated and you would be required to secure the required business license and permits before you can be allowed to legally open a drugs manufacturing factory.

  1. Rugs and Rubber Carpets Manufacturing

The market for rugs and rubber carpets is indeed a large one; if you open a production factory for this type of business, you are sure going to break even within a short period of time . This is of course especially if you have good marketing and promotion strategies.

Just ensure that conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies and you want struggle to manage your rugs and rubber carpets manufacturing business.

  1. Manufacturing of Plastic Bottles

The food and drinks industry, as well as the chemical industry requires plastic bottles to package some of their products. Waters, drinks, and chemicals et al, are sold to the public only when they are properly packaged except on few instances.

If you are able to locate food and drinks processing companies in your area and also chemical manufacturing factories, it means that there is a market for plastic bottles. It is a business that you should consider going into.

  1. Fertilizer Production

Organic and non – organic fertilizers are needed in the agriculture sector. There is a large market for this type of business.

There is hardly any country where farming is not encouraged; as a matter of fact, governments of most countries of the world   subsidize fertilizers for farmers in their country, so as to encourage people to go into farming.

Therefore, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry, you can consider going into organic and non – organic fertilizer production.

The easiest ways of making it pretty big in fertilizer manufacturing business is to win over the government. In most countries, the government is always the biggest customer of fertilizers.

  1. Chemical Production

Another manufacturing business that you should consider starting if you are interested in the manufacturing industry is chemical production.

There are different chemicals that are used for different purposes all you need to do if you want to go into this type of business is to choose the type of chemicals that you want to be specialized in.

It could be cleaning and washing chemicals, it could be food preservation chemicals and it could be any other chemical as long as you have a market for it.

  1. Nails, Nuts and Bolts Manufacturing

Nails, nuts and bolts are stuffs that are used in the construction industry, carpentry and of course in the engineering industry (automotive et al).

If you have the technical skills or the required start – up capital, you can start this type of business on a small scale and supply the cottage industry within your location and at the same time you can start this type of business on a large scale i.e. mass – producing nails, nuts and bolts.

Operating a large scale nails, nuts and bolts manufacturing business will give you the privilege or exploring the international markets.

  1. Tyre Manufacturing

Tyres are used by airplanes, trucks, cars, bikes, bicycles, forklifts et al. It goes to show that there is a large market for tires.

It is fact that there is hardly any city in the world where you won’t find automobile, which is why the sale of tires is highly thriving.

If you are considering starting a manufacturing business you should look towards setting up a tire manufacturing factory; although it is a capital intensive business but at the same it is a profitable business.

  1. Hand Tools Manufacturing

If you are technically inclined, one of the manufacturing businesses that you should consider starting is hand tools manufacturing.

There is a large market for tools such as; hammer, tin cutters, pliers, screw – drivers, shaping tools, scissors, puncher, chisels, manual – hand saw, string trimmer, edging shears, turfing iron, half – moon cutter, and besom et al.

Just ensure that you conducted a thorough market survey and feasibility studies before launching the business. It is indeed a profitable business venture.

  1. Mobile Phones Accessories Manufacturing

The market for smartphones is on the increase daily and as such the corresponding increase in the demand for phones accessories.

There is a large market for mobile phone accessories such as earphones, Bluetooth device, casing, batteries, battery chargers and power banks et al.

If you live in China and even in any part of the world, one of the businesses that you should consider starting is mobile phone accessories production business. It is a highly profitable business and there is a global market for its products.

  1. Automobile Spare Parts Manufacturing

Automobiles are subjected to wear and tear, hence the need for replacement of worn out parts. If you have the financial capacity and good business skills, then you should consider starting your own automobile spare parts manufacturing business.

It is not a must that you should go in the production of all the parts of a car, you can choose to specialize only in the manufacturing of brake pads for different vehicle brands and models and you will enjoy a huge patronage.

The bottom line is to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies; it will help you identify the parts in a vehicle that usually wears out and in high demand in the market. That will guide you to choose the spare parts to specialize in.

  1. Ceramic Tiles Manufacturing

In recent times, it is now pretty much easier to find homes and offices with tiles as against rugs. This is so because tiles have become cheaper and affordable and as well it is easier to maintain. There is indeed a large market for ceramic tiles.

It is one of the businesses that you should consider starting if you want to go into the manufacturing industry. Aside from networking with people in the construction industry within your country, you can also export your ceramic tiles to other countries; it is indeed a profitable business.

  1. Marbles Manufacturing

Just like ceramic tiles, marble is another flooring material that is in high demands. Wealthy people go as far as importing high quality marbles from Italy when they are building their homes. Although marble is more expensive than ceramic tiles, but there is still a large market for marbles.

  1. Bags Manufacturing

There is indeed a large market for bags, just like some of the products mentioned above; there is hardly any household where you won’t find at least a bag.

Bags come in different shapes and sizes and for different purposes. We have school bags, handbags / fashion bags, traveling bags, tools bags, camera bags et al. starting a bag manufacturing company is good business to start; it is a profitable venture.

  1. Touch Light Manufacturing

Another cool business that you can consider starting if you want to go into the manufacturing industry, is to open a touch light manufacturing factory. Touch lights comes in different shapes and sizes and they are useful in our homes and offices as well.

As a matter of fact it is important to have a touch light in your car. Security men and women are the largest consumers of touch lights.

This goes to show that there is a good market for touch light. Just ensure that you are involved in the production of both rechargeable and battery enabled touch lights.

  1. Umbrella, Raincoats and Rain boots Manufacturing

When it rains, people usually make use of umbrellas, raincoats and rain booths and it is fact that spring (raining season) is constant; it comes yearly.

Aside from rains, people also make use of umbrella to protect themselves against the scorching of the sun. This goes to show that there is a large market for umbrellas, raincoats and rain boots et al.

So, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing sector, you should consider going into the production of umbrellas, raincoats, and rain boots et al. It is indeed a profitable business despite the fact it is considered to be a seasonal business.

  1. Footwear and Belts Manufacturing

Rubber shoes, leather shoes and synthetic leather and shoes and belts all have huge market. You can choose to go into the mass production of foot wears and you will attract customers from within the country and abroad.

Male shoes, sanders and slippers, female shoes, sanders and slippers and also children’s shoes, sanders and slippers can be produced with either rubber, leather or synthetic leather. Just ensure that you conduct a proper market survey and feasibility studies before chose a niche.

  1. Manufacturing of Musical Instrument

Another thriving manufacturing business that is worth starting is the production of musical instruments. There is a large market for musical instruments such as drum sets, guitars, trumpets, saxophones, tambourines, piano (key boards), violins, et al. Just ensure that you produce quality musical instruments and you will sure have a market for them.

  1. Manufacturing of Wristwatches and Wall Clocks

Although there are well – known brands in the wristwatch and wall clock manufacturing business, but that does not mean that you wouldn’t possibly attract your own market if you started your own watch production.

As a matter of fact, the average person that goes to the market to purchase wristwatches or wall clocks do not really care about the brand name as longs as the product is good and affordable.

Thus, if you are looking for a business to start in the manufacturing industry, you should consider opening a production factory for wristwatches and wall clocks.

  1. Manufacturing of Stationeries

Pencils, pens, erasers, sharpeners, staplers, rulers, compass, notebooks, notepads, stick – on, notice boards, boards, et al are essentials that are used by students and teachers alike in schools.

If you are looking for a business to start in the manufacturing industry, you should consider going into the production of stationeries; there is a large market for this type of business.

  1. Cement Manufacturing

Starting a cement production plant might be capital intensive, but one thing is certain, you aren’t going to struggle to sell your cements especially if you are selling at a competitive price.

If you have a solid capital base, then you should consider opening your own cement manufacturing plant. This type of business is highly profitable in Africa simply because of the massive construction works that is going on all around Africa.

  1. Blocks Manufacturing

Cement Brick and Block Moulding Business

If you are looking towards starting a cottage business, a business that requires low start – up capital and little or no technology, then you should consider starting a block manufacturing company. As long as the construction industry is thriving, blocks manufacturing industry will also thrive.

The construction industry is the major consumer of blocks and if you are into blocks manufacturing, you must ensure that you network with those in the construction industry.

  1. Picture Frames Manufacturing

Another simple but yet thriving business you can start in the manufacturing industry is pictures frames production. There is a large market for picture frames all over the world.

So, if you are looking for a business to start, you can go into the production of different shapes and sizes of photo frames; it is indeed a profitable business that requires low start – up capital.

The competition in the industry is moderate and there are no monopoly in the industry; every photo frame manufacturer can favorable compete in the industry as long as they produce quality photo frames with good designs.

  1. Eyeglasses and Frames Manufacturing

Eye glasses and frames manufacturing is another highly thriving business that an entrepreneur can start if he or she is considering going into the manufacturing industry.

Although, brand names sell in this industry, but if you are determined and creative, you will be able to carve a niche for your company in this industry.

Starting eye glasses and frames manufacturing business is capital intensive but it is indeed a profitable business simply because there is a large market for glasses and glasses frames et al.

  1. Mattress and Pillow Manufacturing

If you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry, it is important to first conduct your market survey and feasibility studies before choosing a product to start manufacturing.

Beyond every reasonable doubt, one of the products that you can start manufacturing if you are considering going into the manufacturing industry is the manufacturing of mattresses and pillows.

As a matter of fact, there is hardly any home in the united states and in almost all parts of the world where you will not find at least a mattress and a pillow.

That goes to show that there is a very large market for pillows and mattresses. No matter the industry that you are in and the competition in the industry, if your products are of good quality and you have a good marketing and sales strategy, you can favorably compete in the industry.

  1. Safety Helmets, C – Caution, Safety Boots and Other Safety Gadgets Production

The safety industry is yet another highly thriving industry that an entrepreneur can consider starting. There is a large market for safety gadgets such as helmets, overalls, protective goggles, safety boots, safety vest (bib) et al.

If you are considering starting this type of business, then you must be willing to work with the standard and specifications of the regulatory bodies in the industry.

It is a capital intensive industry and at the same time it is a profitable venture to go into. But it is advisable to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies before starting this type of business; it will help you to identify your own market.

  1. Water Closet and Ceramic Wares Production

Washing hand basins and water closets are essentials in building facilities. A building is not complete if there are no toilets – hence the high demand for WCs and other ceramic wares.

If you are considering starting a manufacturing company, you should look towards starting a water closet and ceramic wares production factory. It is indeed a thriving and highly profitable business.

  1. Diapers and Baby Wipes Production

Diapers and baby wipes are essential commodities for parents; these are the stuffs used for babies and children between the ages of 0 months and 2 ½ years.

Parents with babies and children that fall within the stated age brackets don’t have any option other than to purchase diapers and baby wipes.

If you are considering starting a manufacturing business, starting a diapers and baby wipes production line won’t be a bad idea.

It is a business that thriving and it is still pretty open for new entrants. Although there are major players in the business, but one thing is certain, if your products are of good quality and affordable, you will sure attract your own market.

  1. Doors Manufacturing

Of course no building is complete without doors; doors are essential component of a building. If you are looking towards starting your own manufacturing company and you have not made up your mind on the product to produce, then you should consider going into doors manufacturing.

Much more than manufacturing regular doors, you can also specialize in the production of security doors. There is a huge market for security doors and the business is indeed profitable.

  1. Aluminum Products Manufacturing

There are several products that can be made from aluminum, products such as windows, doors, roofs, pans; et al. can produce with aluminum.

If you are looking for a manufacturing business to start, you can consider going into aluminum products manufacturing. It is a highly thriving and profitable business.

Before starting this type of business, it is advisable to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies, so as to be able to identify aluminum products that are highly sellable.

It will make marketing a lot easier for your marketing team. You can as well produce plain aluminum sheets; there is also a large market for it.

  1. Furniture Manufacturing

Furniture is another essential that are needed in offices, homes, schools and virtually in any building facility. Chairs, tables, cupboards, beds, cabins, shelves, wardrobes, et al are highly marketable.

If you are looking towards starting a business whose products cuts across both the rich and the poor, then you should consider starting a furniture manufacturing business.

It is indeed a profitable business and if your furniture are good and of high quality, and you are able to promote your brand, you will be able to attract customers not only from the country where you are located both also from the international market.

  1. Textile Production

Another profitable and highly thriving business that you should consider starting if you are looking towards starting a manufacturing business, then you should consider opening a textile production factory. There is a very large global market for textiles.

Just like most manufacturing business, setting up a textile manufacturing company is capital intensive. If you are considering starting this type of business, you should be able to come up with a workable business plan; with a good business plan, you will be able to comfortably penetrate the textile market.

  1. Roofing Materials Manufacturing

Another construction related business that is worth starting is the manufacturing of roofing materials. The truth is that without roofs, a building can’t be said to be complete. That goes to show that there is large market for roofing materials.

Roofing materials manufacturing business is a capital intensive business, but if you are able to do conduct market survey and feasibility studies before investing in this type of business, you will be able to make good business decisions that will help you break even within record time.

  1. Jewelries Production

Jewelries production is yet another thriving business that an entrepreneur who wants to go into manufacturing business can start.

There are rooms to start this type of business on a small scale, medium scale or large scale. You can as well choose the king of jewelry you want to manufacture.

The fact remains that there is a large market for jewelry; this is so because women never gets tired of purchasing jewelries made from different materials.

Please note that if you want to start a jewelry production company, it is not a must that you just manufacture jewelries made from pure gold or silver; you can go into the mass production of jewelries made from plastic, copper wire, good plating et al.

  1. Air Freshener Production

Air freshener is yet another product that can me mass – produced. If you are considering starting your own low budget manufacturing business, then air freshener production is one of the manufacturing businesses that you can start. With little start – up capital, you can successfully set – up your own air freshener production company.

There is a large market for air freshener and air freshener can be produced either in liquid form, gaseous form or solid forms. If you want to stay competitive in this industry, you must ensure that you come up with unique and pleasant smells and also your products must be well – packaged.

  1. Manufacturing of Folder, Files and Envelopes  

Another low budget manufacturing business that an entrepreneur can start is the manufacturing of folders, files, and envelopes. It is a thriving business especially around schools, post offices and corporate environment et al.

So if you are looking for a manufacturing business to start; a business that requires low start – up capital but profitable, then you should consider going into the production of folders, files, and envelopes in different shapes, sizes and materials.

  1. Manufacturing of Buttons for Clothes

As small as buttons are, one can become a millionaire by only producing buttons in different shapes, sizes, colors and designs.

There is a large market for buttons simply because most clothes that you can find in the market has buttons. So, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry, then you should consider setting up a button production company.

Part of what you need to do to grow this type of business is to network with companies who are into the manufacturing of clothes and uniforms et al; they are your major market.

Just ensure that you conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies so that you won’t start this type of business on a trial and error method.

  1. Ropes Productions

There is virtually no part of the world, where ropes aren’t in use. It would therefore not be an exaggeration if one said that it is a money spinning business. There are different types of ropes that can be produced.

Some of the type of ropes that you may consider manufacturing include; twines, string, Lanyard, cord, ratline, and a host of other types of ropes.

However, in starting this type of business you have to be sure that you have an adequate startup capital because it is a capital intensive type of business.

  1. Soaps and Detergent Production

Soaps and detergents are some of the household times that are being purchased nearly every minute all around the globe. In fact things would go bad in the world if there was no means to clean up stuff with soaps and detergent. Why is this so?

This is particularly so because soaps and detergents helps to get rid of grime and grease. As such’; if you think you have all it takes; then you may want to start soap and detergent manufacturing business.

  1. Groundnut and Olive Oil Production

There are some folks who might readily not be a fan of other types of cooking oils. They really love to   make their meals with olive oil or groundnut oil. If that is the case; then one can make a great deal of wealth from manufacturing this oil.

Starting an oil production business is however not a child’s play. A whole lot of things have got to be in place. This is so that you can start off on the right footing and be sure that you have laid the right foundation for your business to leverage on for growth. One other thing worthy of note is the location of the business and the supply of raw materials.

  1. Production of Padlocks and Keys

The production industry all around the world more than ever before is experiencing a boom. This is because of the wealth of knowledge and information that is available to all. It is for this reason that every Tom, Dick and Harry wants to go into business.

If you are like these folks and you want to start a trade, then you can look to start a padlock and keys production. This is one very capital intensive trade; but one thing is for sure, and that is the point that there is a huge return on investment in this type of business.

  1. Production of Wigs, Weaves and Hair Extensions

If you have come across the aphorism that says that looking good is good business, then you may want to agree that that is one of the reasons why most women love to be at their best always. It is for this reason that they love to look good with different hair styles.

This is one of the reasons why you too can start a wigs, Weave and hair extension production business. Nothing spins money like this trade, and this is because of the huge number of consumers.

  1. Production of Water Tanks, Buckets and Pails, etc

A rubber factor such that produces water tanks, plastic products and others is sure a fast way to become wealthy. This is because of the huge amount of people who daily procure these goods. The market here is indeed wide, and you can tap into the goodies of the industry.

It sure requires some super big capital to start this, but in the long run profit is assured. One other thing to settle as you look to start out is the supply of raw materials.

  1. Manufacturing of Balls (Sports)

The market for balls is wide. Aside from the sports people who may look to but balls from your company, there are still loads of individuals who may want to buy your balls. This is one good business that you have got to embrace, if you are looking at going into the manufacturing industry.

  1. Manufacturing of Cooking Stoves

All over the globe; even in the countries with some of the richest economies, there are still some low class and middle class people.

It could be said that these are some of the folks who may be using stoves. In Africa for instance there is a high level of stove usage, and this can only be attributed to the economy. You may consider positioning yourself for wealth when you go into the manufacturing of stoves.

  1. Manufacturing of Trampoline

You can choose to start a trampoline manufacturing business. One of the problems which the production of trampolines solves in the market is the coverage that it provides. To a large extent, ever since trampolines where produced, people can now have some level of shield.

Some of the people who may be in need of your product include; people who are having parties outdoors and want to shield away the sun.

  1. Manufacturing of Inks and Cartridges

It is a great idea to start an ink and cartridge manufacturing business. This is because of the need to have some very essential parts in some type of machines replaced. Some of the machines include printers, computers and what have you.

Starting this type of production business would of course gulp a huge amount of money. However, truth remains that if you do know your onions, and you put in some good and plenty effort, before long, you would have been able to your business to the zenith.

Delving into the manufacturing trade is indeed a good plan. However,   care has to be taken in order to start and have the business run successfully. You have got to also note that starting a manufacturing business isn’t a small matter.

As a matter of fact, it would entail that you require the much needed startup funds. This is where you have to determine how you want to raise the funds. Will it be through bank loans, your savings, or angel investors? The decision lies with you.