How to Successfully and Safely Run a Manufacturing Business

If you are starting your journey to building a manufacturing business, then you need to ensure you start with a solid business foundation so you can hit the ground running. When working in manufacturing, there are a multitude of moving parts to consider, from processes to machinery, tools, and people. This is a crucial sector to grow a business in, as it provides goods for businesses and consumers, adds value to materials, supports the economy, and creates more jobs. However, it is one that needs to be carefully considered when starting, as you have the added responsibility of employees, health, safety, and legal compliance. 

There are a lot of components involved in getting a manufacturing business set up, safe, and successful. To support you on your journey, here are some of the key things you need to consider right at the start of your business venture. 

Planning the business 

The planning is the most crucial part. The plan needs to be researched thoroughly, as it will guide the rest of your decisions and start-up activities. You need to start with in-depth market research to learn about the market, a potential niche for your business, and your target audience. You may want to see what is working well, what is not, and what gaps need filling. You may then be able to build your business on a specific gap in the  market or a unique offering. Learn about your customers’ needs and problems, as well as your competition. 

All of this research needs to be outlined in a business plan. Create a detailed business plan that shows your business idea, goals, your financial plan, your marketing and sales strategy, logistics, business operations, business structure, and more. 

Determine how you will invest in your business and what finance options are available to you, whether you seek an investor or you use a loan or personal savings. 

Streamlining your operations 

You will need a business premises to set up your business. Do some research and find a suitable location that is affordable and accessible. You want to make sure it is appropriate for the type of work you are doing, as well as its proximity to things like main roads and public transport. This is for employees, customers, and deliveries. 

Plan out how you will set up the manufacturing process, machinery, labour, and how you will deal with waste. Implement a strict quality control protocol, and identify what hardware and software you will need to do this. You will also need to think about how production gaps and issues can be resolved in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. 

Consider basic workplace equipment, inventory management, and anything else you are going to need on the premise to run your business. 

Health and safety considerations

Health and safety need to be considered at the very start and underpin everything that you do moving forward. In the manufacturing industry, risks are much higher. Make sure the premise that you choose is legally compliant and there are no health and safety hazards to be aware of. You will also need to consider how you can implement things like dust collection systems to protect your employees, as well as sourcing all the parts to maintain it, such as mecair valves. All the details, both small and big, are vital for the health and safety of your manufacturing business. 

Legal compliance

Legal compliance can get complicated when running a manufacturing business, as there are many parts to consider. You need to include the environmental impact of your work, the safety and quality of the products that you create, workplace health and safety, data protection, employment laws, tax regulations, and more. Depending on the type of work you are doing and where you are doing it, you may also have to consider permits and licences. Any business will need to have sufficient insurance to cover itself. 

It is important that you research the specific laws in the location and country where you are setting up your business, and where your customers are located. It could be helpful to hire a lawyer to ensure that all the legal boxes are ticked for you.

Hiring the right people

You want to ensure that you hire highly skilled and motivated employees who are going to do a good job, but also have a good working attitude and comply with health and safety regulations. You may be able to find people who already have the skills and knowledge to hit the ground running, but there may be others whom you choose for the right attitude and invest in training. This might take a little longer, but they are a clean slate that you can train in your ways and help them to grow. Make sure you craft strong relationships with your employees, create a hierarchical structure that keeps operations running smoothly, and reduce bottlenecks. 

​

Marketing your business 

Marketing your business and getting your name out there is key, especially if you are just setting up your business. Conduct thorough research on your target audience and your competitors, so you know where to focus your relationship building and marketing campaigns. This might entail building an online presence using search engines and social media platforms, so you can build your brand reputation, find customers, and position yourself as an authority in your industry. It can be helpful to outsource this work or hire a dedicated marketing expert within your business. Make sure you are always consistent, providing value, and giving your customers what they need.

Exceptional customer service

You want to provide every single customer with a first-class service. This will help you get off the ground, build loyal customers, and help with word-of-mouth referrals for your business. Customer service will go a very long way in your business and its growth. Have a clear process in place, and make sure all of your customer service team are passionate about their work and trained in your business so they can solve problems effectively and efficiently. 

Running a manufacturing business is a challenge, but with the right foundations, you can hit the ground running. 

Want More Info? How about a Free 30-minute Consult with Ascend?

Schedule Your Free Consultation Now!

Special thanks to the following source(s) for the image(s) used in this article:

• ​Image credit

DISCLAIMER: This is an affiliate article. We post affiliate articles with the intent of helping you grow. They are not written, researched, or necessarily endorsed by our team. They are simply content submitted to us by what appears to be respectable affiliate sources, people, and organizations, which upon initial review, seem solid and helpful to our community, so we post them. It is up to you to personally verify the facts, links, organizations mentioned, the validity of the information presented, and any/all claims made in the article(s). To report an issue with any of the information, links, or organizations mentioned in this, or any content posted on our website, or if you simply have a question or need something we can help you with, please contact us now.