50+ Best Manufacturing Business Ideas
Looking to start a manufacturing business but not quite sure what to start?
The good news is, there are so many opportunities to become an entrepreneur and build an innovative product/service in this line of work.
If you're looking to start your own manufacturing business, there are several amazing options you can choose from.
We put a list together below of the most profitable manufacturing business ideas you can start today!
Here they are:
1. Start a phone case business ($600K/year)
Andrew Moore from Toronto, Ontario, Canada started Felony Case over 9 years ago, a phone case business.
- Revenue: $50,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
It’s a funny origin story, because I never set out to start an iPhone case company.
I had just graduated from college and I was working as a driver delivering construction supplies. It gave me a ton of time to listen to podcasts and I was really drawn to tech and startup focused ones. I had an idea for a while to do a wishlist website where people could create and share a list of gifts they wanted. I ended up having the site built, but I didn’t know how to get people using the website.
Don’t be afraid to start! Don’t overthink it, get a product out into the world and start your journey.
2. Start a furniture business ($444K/year)
John Humphreys from Austin, Texas, USA started Humphreys almost 5 years ago, a furniture business.
- Revenue: $37,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 1
- Location: Austin, Texas, USA
Since I was a kid I have always had a sense of wonder about the world and the mechanisms behind it. Whether it be a jet engine or a windshield wiper-I have thought about the creative process behind these things since I was 10 years old.
I drew houses as a kid. My dad grew up in a home designed by a student of Frank Lloyd Wright, it was a solar home and it had an odd features. One example is, the entire back wall that was about 100 feet long and 15 feet high comprised of windows that all opened. In front, there were functioning levers that had fans which would draw airflow in and out.
Growing up I thought I wanted to be a pilot. I was described in high school by a classmate as “poetic” which I found offensive. I tried a hand in many things; managing a farm and pre-school, which were two businesses I inherited. This type of work wasn’t for me.
3. Start a woodworking business ($78K/year)
Sasha Weekes from Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Canada started Timber Grove Studios over 4 years ago, a woodworking business.
- Revenue: $6,500/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: Hunter River, Prince Edward Island, Canada
I was always the art kid growing up, so I naturally began my post secondary education by pursuing a degree in Fine Arts. I spent my summers refinishing furniture and doing photography and that’s how I got my feet wet with business, so by my second year, I was also pursuing a minor in Commerce.
I had never really done much woodworking at all but became a lot more interested in design and home decor during those years. After finishing my third year, I was itching to do something more practical than becoming a gallery artist, so I set my sights on furniture design and enrolled in a college cabinetmaking course instead. It really wasn’t where I had ever expected to end up, but it was sort of a natural progression and I’m so glad I did it!
I started making mountain shelves in the morning before class to sell on Facebook and Kijiji. It was intended to be a fun side project but they were so popular that I started my business shortly after graduating with the mountains as my first product.
4. Start a healthy snack food business ($6M/year)
Ryan Chen from Los Angeles, California, USA started Neuro about 6 years ago, a healthy snack food business.
- Revenue: $500,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 12
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
My personal story begins with my parents immigrating to Los Angeles to start a better life. Although ethnically Chinese, they were both born and raised in Japan as a result of my grandparents from both sides fleeing communist China. I was born in an extremely diverse neighborhood (we had around 7 different ethnicities on our block) near Pasadena, CA, before moving to Japan for 5 years between the age of 10-15.
I grew up playing sports and competing at a national level in Kendo, cross country, and track. I started Kendo at the age of 5 and competed at the national level in the United States and Japan. In high school, I was co-captain of our cross country and track team where we competed in the Division I state and national championships. It was through running that I truly learned perseverance and grit.
Unfortunately, at 19 years old, I became a paraplegic when I fell from 35 feet in the air in a snowboarding accident and shattered my back. Doctors told me that I would never walk again, but it furthered my drive and passion for adventure and trying new things. I finished college with degrees in Chemistry and Economics and continued to compete in marathons even got to train with the US Paralympic team.
5. Start a sunglasses business ($300K/year)
Jeff Phillips from Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia started Grown Eyewear over 10 years ago, a sunglasses business.
- Revenue: $25,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 5
- Location: Byron Bay, New South Wales, Australia
I was a teacher and would find my mind wandering to product ideas in class. I would say I was a good teacher and liked doing it, but it was clear that it wasn’t quite enough. In 2009 I had launched a headwear brand (Beardo®) and it was going quite well, but I had an urge to do something that would do good. So odd as it seems, the idea to create a company that ‘did only good’ came long before the actual product idea.
Be stubborn in your pursuits, but not so stubborn that you won’t humor the idea of changing paths if something isn’t likely to work.
I didn’t know what I was going to sell, only that the profits would go to help others. I was first inspired by a documentary I saw on TV in Australia about an eye doctor named Fred Hollows.
6. Start a natural beauty product business ($60K/year)
Mel young from Hazeldene, Victoria, Australia started Flowerdale Valley over 4 years ago, a natural beauty product business.
- Revenue: $5,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 0
- Location: Hazeldene, Victoria, Australia
I always wanted to work for myself. So I was always thinking about business ideas. Not everyone wants to work for themselves and not everyone is suited to the lifestyle, so if you have the dream, make sure you pursue it!
My business started when I was working as a cook at a local reception venue. A bride wanted some local honey wedding favors, which I provided. Doing this made me find a jar supplier, register my home kitchen as a food premise, prepare an invoice, etc.
From here, I began selling honey to the public and then I experimented with other ideas (making jam, personalized wedding favors, etc) before going into skincare. I had quite a few failures in this period!
7. Start a leather business ($12K/year)
Jacques Flynn from Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada started JAQET over 9 years ago, a leather business.
- Revenue: $1,000/ month
- Founders: 1
- Employees: 2
- Location: Kawartha Lakes, Ontario, Canada
I am a car designer by day (I still work full time as a car designer). I am always looking beyond the automotive design world to satisfy my creative needs.
Designing cars is a dream come true, but we are a large team and it is very much a team effort. I wanted to create something that I had 100% control over, and see where that might lead me.
I think it’s very important to first establish a very clear vision… What is it you want to accomplish? After that, it is very important that all efforts go to supporting that one vision.
8. Start a clothing manufacturing business ($888K/year)
Donovan Mathews from Singapore, Singapore started Bryden Apparel over 7 years ago, a clothing manufacturing business.
- Revenue: $74,000/ month
- Founders: 2
- Employees: 6
- Location: Singapore, Singapore
I started my own t-shirt brand called Ardentees back in 2009 when I was still in school as e-commerce was starting to get popular. I was intrigued by the whole idea of e-commerce as you could reach a worldwide audience easily. I especially loved the idea of waking up to see emails of orders from customers around the world.
I always had that inner voice urging me to start something on my own related to sourcing & manufacturing and I decided to register a business to reserve the name.
After getting 2 friends on board, we spent a year sourcing & testing different manufacturers with major hiccups along the way before finally able to settle for one and start selling.
9. Become a camera manufacturer
Examples of a successful camera manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a camera manufacturer:
- Porsche: High-Level Car Manufacturer
- How Hara Foam Defied All Odds To Become A Leading Local Manufacturer
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a camera manufacturer ➜
10. Start a cake mold manufacturing business
Examples of a successful cake mold manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a cake mold manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a cake mold manufacturing business ➜
11. Start a cutter manufacturing business
Examples of a successful cutter manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a cutter manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start A Cookie Business Today Ebook: Paula T. Spencer
- Start A Cookie Business Today: Paula T Spencer
Learn more about starting a cutter manufacturing business ➜
12. Become a countertop manufacturer ($13.2M/year)
Examples of a successful countertop manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a countertop manufacturer:
- Solid Surface Countertop Call 888-Lesmith Manufacturing/Fabrication
- Get 10x Leads For Granite Countertop Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Guide To Concrete: Masonry & Stucco Projects
- The Complete Guide To Contracting Your Home: A Step-By Method for Managing Home Construction
Learn more about starting a countertop manufacturer ➜
13. Become a bicycle manufacturer ($6M/year)
Examples of a successful bicycle manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bicycle manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- From Steel to Bicycle (Start to Finish, Second)
- From Steel to Bicycle (Start to Finish, Second Series)
Learn more about starting a bicycle manufacturer ➜
14. Become a laundry detergent manufacturer ($240K/year)
Examples of a successful laundry detergent manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a laundry detergent manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a laundry detergent manufacturer ➜
And for some real world inspiration, give David Watkins's story on creating Dirty Labs a read:
Hello there! I’m David Watkins, CEO and a co-founder of Dirty Labs. Dirty Labs is a cleaning innovation lab created with a mission to take the ‘dirty’ out of cleaning.
The first products from the company are a line of laundry detergents that solve what we call a cleaning trilemma. For years, products have either been safe, sustainable, or effective, but rarely, if ever, all three. Our goal is to create solutions that leverage nature-inspired green chemistry to solve this problem. We’re making a significant change in the way cleaning products are formulated. We think we’ve achieved this goal with our first line of detergents tested for market-leading levels of efficacy while also making a giant leap forward in safety and sustainability.
15. Start a fitness equipment manufacturing business
Examples of a successful fitness equipment manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fitness equipment manufacturing business:
- Jerai Fitness - India's Largest Fitness Equipment Manufacturer !
- Fitness Equipment Manufacturing Factory
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a fitness equipment manufacturing business ➜
16. Start a nuts and bolts manufacturer
Examples of a successful nuts and bolts manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a nuts and bolts manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a nuts and bolts manufacturer ➜
17. Start a window manufacturer
Examples of a successful window manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a window manufacturer:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Window Cleaning Business
- Window Cleaning, The Very Best Book about Starting, Running and Growing a Successful Window Cleaning Business with $500 or Less: Steven King
Learn more about starting a window manufacturer ➜
18. Start a medical equipment manufacturing business
Examples of a successful medical equipment manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a medical equipment manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Medical Practice: A Guide To All The Things They Don't Teach You In Medical School About Starting Your Own Practice (Open for Business)
- Start Your Own Medical Claims & Transcription Business (Start Your Own Business): Prentice Hall
Learn more about starting a medical equipment manufacturing business ➜
19. Start a security gadget manufacturing business
Examples of a successful security gadget manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a security gadget manufacturing business:
Learn more about starting a security gadget manufacturing business ➜
20. Start a locksmith business
Examples of a successful locksmith business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a locksmith business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Locks And Locksmithing Business, The Best Of Locksmith Books: Start With Crowd Funding, Get Grants & Get The Right Locksmithing Tools & Locksmith Training
- How To Start A Locks And Locksmithing Business
Learn more about starting a locksmith business ➜
21. Become a computer manufacturer
Examples of a successful computer manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a computer manufacturer:
- How To Make A Motherboard - A Gigabyte Factory Tour Video
- How A Motherboard Is Made: Inside The Gigabyte Factory In Taiwan
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Start Your Own Software Company: A Step-By-Step Guide To Setting Up A Computer Software Business: David J. Cracas
- Start Your Own Computer Business: Building A Successful Pc Repair And Service Business By Supporting Customers And Managing Money
Learn more about starting a computer manufacturer ➜
22. Start an organic fertilizer production business
Examples of a successful organic fertilizer production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a organic fertilizer production business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Promote Organic Vegetable Production?: Use Of Different Sources Of Nitrogen In Sweet Pepper Production
- Organic Farming: Everything You Need to Know: Peter V. Fossel
Learn more about starting an organic fertilizer production business ➜
23. Start an embroidery machine manufacturer ($360K/year)
Examples of a successful embroidery machine manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a embroidery machine manufacturer:
- 7 Tips For Starting An Embroidery Business (2019)
- The Best Embroidery Machines For Your Home Business! My Multi-Needle Embroidery Machines!
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Embroidery Business From Home: Business Model And Digitizing Training Course
- Working From Home: Brother Embroidery Ebook
Learn more about starting an embroidery machine manufacturer ➜
24. Start an air freshener production business
Examples of a successful air freshener production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a air freshener production business:
- Liquid Air Freshener Manufacturing Business
- Air Freshener Business And Why Start A Designer Fragrance Oil Type Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Business: Mac Version: 10 Essential Business Steps for Startups using a Mac
- Starting Your Own Business: Become An Entrepreneur!: Adam Toren
Learn more about starting an air freshener production business ➜
25. Start a golf club manufacturing company
Examples of a successful golf club manufacturing company:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a golf club manufacturing company:
For further info, check out these books and products:
26. Start a kitchen utensils business ($600K/year)
Examples of a successful kitchen utensils business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a kitchen utensils business:
- How To Sell Kitchenware Online (Show & Sell Ep 3)
- (Hindi/اردو) Start Kitchen Utensils Business With Low Investment And Earn Good Amount Of Money !!!
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a kitchen utensils business ➜
27. Become a washing machine manufacturer
Examples of a successful washing machine manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a washing machine manufacturer:
Learn more about starting a washing machine manufacturer ➜
28. Start an insecticide production business
Examples of a successful insecticide production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a insecticide production business:
- Agricultural Fertilizer Insecticide Herbicide Full Production Line
- How To Produce Insecticide At Home
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Biotechnology Entrepreneurship: Starting, Managing, And Leading Biotech Companies: Craig Shimasaki
- Your Successful Farm Business: Production, Profit, Pleasure: Joel Salatin
Learn more about starting an insecticide production business ➜
29. Start a boat propellers production business
Examples of a successful boat propellers production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a boat propellers production business:
- Hopes For A New Propeller Dashed But I Meet A New Friend
- Metal Shark Introduces Swamp Shark All-Terrain Surface Drive
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a boat propellers production business ➜
30. Start a cloth diaper business
Examples of a successful cloth diaper business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a cloth diaper business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a cloth diaper business ➜
31. Start a snowboard manufacturing business
Examples of a successful snowboard manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a snowboard manufacturing business:
- Why I Started My Own Snowboard Company
- How A Snowboard (Lib Tech Orca) Is Made - Mervin Manufacturing Factory Tour
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Manufacturing Company: Meir Liraz
- Starting A Business All-In-One For Dummies
Learn more about starting a snowboard manufacturing business ➜
32. Start a watch making business
Examples of a successful watch making business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a watch making business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Beginner Watchmaking: How to Build Your Very First Watch: Tim A Swike
- Home Watch Services: A Guide for Starting Your Own Home Based Business: George Winovich
33. Start a plastic container manufacturing business
Examples of a successful plastic container manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a plastic container manufacturing business:
- Plastic Food Container Manufacturing
- Food Container Manufacturing In Plastic Injection Moulding Machine--Ghanshyam Engineering Co.
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a plastic container manufacturing business ➜
34. Start a chalk manufacturing business
Examples of a successful chalk manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a chalk manufacturing business:
- Chalk Making Business
- Dustless School Chalk Making Machine Price,Automatic Dust-Free Chalk Machine Manufacturer India
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide to Starting a New Small Manufacturing Company
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Manufacturing Company: Meir Liraz
Learn more about starting a chalk manufacturing business ➜
35. Start a wig manufacturing business
Examples of a successful wig manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a wig manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- The Wig Biz -Buying and Selling Wigs and Hair for Profit
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Manufacturing Company: Meir Liraz
Learn more about starting a wig manufacturing business ➜
36. Start a canned goods making business
Examples of a successful canned goods making business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a canned goods making business:
Learn more about starting a canned goods making business ➜
37. Start a toy manufacturing business
Examples of a successful toy manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a toy manufacturing business:
- How To Start Toys Manufacturing Business In India
- How to Start Plastic Moulded Toys Manufacturing Business
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Manufacturing Company: Meir Liraz
- The Entrepreneur's Guide to Sewn Product Manufacturing: Kathleen Fasanella
Learn more about starting a toy manufacturing business ➜
38. Start a bread making business
Examples of a successful bread making business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bread making business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Home-Based Bakery Business (Home-Based Business Series): Detra Denay Davis
- Baking For Profit: Starting A Small Bakery: George Bathie
Learn more about starting a bread making business ➜
39. Start a belt manufacturing business
Examples of a successful belt manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a belt manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Manufacturing Company: Meir Liraz
- Start Your Own Fashion Accessories Business (StartUp Series): Entrepreneur Press
Learn more about starting a belt manufacturing business ➜
40. Start a candy making business
Examples of a successful candy making business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a candy making business:
- How To Start A Candy Business From Home Selling Locally First Before Online
- Hard Candy Making Business।Low Investment High Profit Business Idea
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Candy Machine Business: Grow a $50 Investment Into A Million Dollar Business: Douglas Cooper
- The Sweet Book Of Candy Making: From The Simple To The
Learn more about starting a candy making business ➜
41. Start an oil production business
Examples of a successful oil production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a oil production business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Oilfield Survival Guide, Volume One: For All Oilfield Situations
- Introduction To The Global Oil & Gas Business: Van Vactor
Learn more about starting an oil production business ➜
42. Start a hair products manufacturing business
Examples of a successful hair products manufacturing business :
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a hair products manufacturing business :
- 7 Tips To Start Small Scale Manufacturing | Business Ideas for Product Makers
- How To Start Personal Care Products Manufacturing Industry
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Launch it! A Comprehensive Guide to Starting a Haircare Product Line: Start Your Hair Care Product Line Today: Trissha Taylor
- How To Start Your Own Cosmetic Line: The Brutally Honest Truth From A Cosmetic Chemist: Ginger King
Learn more about starting a hair products manufacturing business ➜
43. Start an electrical fittings producer business
Examples of a successful electrical fittings producer business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a electrical fittings producer business:
- Electric Wire And Cable Manufacturing Plant In India ! Pvc Wire Making Business Idea In Hindi
- Electric Wire And Cable Manufacturing Plant - Wire Making Business Idea In Hindi
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Electrical Calculations And Guidelines For Generating Station and Industrial Plants: Thomas E. Baker
- Electric Power Planning For Regulated And Deregulated Markets: Arthur Mazer
Learn more about starting an electrical fittings producer business ➜
44. Start a ceramic tile manufacturing business
Examples of a successful ceramic tile manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a ceramic tile manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Tiling 1-2-3 (Home Depot 1-2-3): The Home Depot
- Making & Installing Handmade Tiles (A Lark Ceramics Book)
Learn more about starting a ceramic tile manufacturing business ➜
45. Start a paper manufacturing business
Examples of a successful paper manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a paper manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide To Starting A New Small Manufacturing Company: Meir Liraz
- How To Start A Manufacturing Business - A Step By Step Guide to Starting a New Small Manufacturing Company
Learn more about starting a paper manufacturing business ➜
46. Start a bags manufacturing business
Examples of a successful bags manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a bags manufacturing business:
For further info, check out these books and products:
Learn more about starting a bags manufacturing business ➜
47. Start a fishing vessels and boats production business
Examples of a successful fishing vessels and boats production business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a fishing vessels and boats production business:
- Starting A Business - Handmade Wooden Boat Building Plans And Wooden Fishing Boat Manufacturers
- Know The Threats To Commercial Fishing Vessel Stability
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Boatbuilding With Aluminum: A Complete Guide For The Amateur And Small Shop
- Small Ships: A Book of Study Plans for Tugs, Freighters, Ferries, Excursion Boats, Trawler Yachts, Houseboats & Fishing Vessels
Learn more about starting a fishing vessels and boats production business ➜
48. Start a cement manufacturing business
Examples of a successful cement manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a cement manufacturing business:
Learn more about starting a cement manufacturing business ➜
49. Start a drug manufacturing business
Examples of a successful drug manufacturing business:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a drug manufacturing business:
- How To Start Pharma Raw Material (Api/Bulk Drugs ) Manufacturing Company?
- How To Start Your Own Pharmaceutical Company In India. !Own Pharma Company ! Complete Details
For further info, check out these books and products:
- Business Development for the Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Industry
- Biotechnology Entrepreneurship: Starting, Managing, And Leading Biotech Companies: Craig Shimasaki
Learn more about starting a drug manufacturing business ➜
50. Start a lattice manufacturer
Examples of a successful lattice manufacturer:
Here are some great videos on how to get started with a lattice manufacturer:
Learn more about starting a lattice manufacturer ➜
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