Most people think of manufacturing and large factories in urban areas. After all, that’s where most manufacturing takes place. But there are advantages to locating a manufacturing business in a small community. This article will discuss a few of those advantages.
Benefits of starting your factory in a small community
There are many benefits to starting a manufacturing business in a small community. Here are a few of them;
Proximity to Customers
One of the significant advantages of manufacturing in a small community is that you will be closer to your customers. This proximity can help you build relationships with your customers and get feedback about your products more efficiently. Additionally, it can be easier to coordinate delivery and logistics when your customers are nearby.
A Supportive Business Environment
Another advantage of manufacturing in a small community is the supportive business environment. In general, small communities are more supportive of local businesses. This support can come from tax breaks, relaxed regulations, or simply goodwill from residents. Furthermore, manufacturing businesses often find employees in smaller towns more quickly than in larger cities.
Improved Quality of Life
Finally, another advantage of building a manufacturing business in a small town is the improved quality of life. Small towns often have lower crime rates and better air quality than urban areas. Plus, residents of small towns tend to be more friendly and laid-back than those who live in cities. Consequently, you and your employees will likely enjoy a better quality of life if you build your manufacturing business in a small town.
How to Start a Manufacturing Business
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there were more than 12,000 manufacturing establishments in the United States in 2017. If you’re planning to a manufacturing business, you’re not alone. But before you get started, there are several considerations to take note of.
Choose your niche
The first step in starting any business is to choose your niche. When it comes to manufacturing, there are several different niches you could choose from. To narrow things down, start by considering the products you’re interested in making. Once you’ve got a few ideas, research to see if there’s a market for those products. If so, that’s your niche!
Find the right suppliers
Your success as a manufacturer will depend partly on your ability to find suitable suppliers. After all, you’ll need to source materials and components for your products. One of the most critical suppliers you need to find is a manufacturer of electric pneumatic control valves. This is vital in many manufacturing processes as pneumatic systems are used to power various tools and machines. If you’re not sure where to find suppliers, the best place to start is with your local chamber of commerce. They can usually provide you with a list of manufacturers in your area.
Create a business plan
Once you’ve chosen your niche, it’s time to start developing a business plan. Your business plan should include an overview of your business, financial projections, and marketing strategy. If you need help putting together your business plan, there are plenty of resources to help you get started—including the Small Business Administration’s business plan template.
Get funding
Once your business plan is put together, it’s time to start thinking about funding. If you don’t have the personal savings to fund your venture, you’ll need to look into other options—like loans or investors. The SBA offers several loan programs for small businesses, so that’s an excellent place to start your search. You might also explore crowdfunding sites like Kickstarter or Indiegogo.
Find a location and build your facility
Once you’ve got your financing, it’s time to start thinking about where you’ll set up shop. When you’re ready to manufacture goods for your business, you’ll need to choose a location that meets all the requirements for your needs—such as easy access to utilities and following zoning regulations. Once you’ve found the perfect spot for your business, it’s time to build or renovate your facility so that it meets all the necessary safety and building code requirements.
Hire employees and train them on safety procedures
After your facility is up and running, it’s time to start thinking about staffing. When hiring employees for a manufacturing business, it’s essential to find people who have experience working in industrial settings and are familiar with safety procedures. Once you’ve hired your team, train them on all the safety procedures they need to know before they begin working.
Final thoughts
A manufacturing business in a small community can offer several advantages, including improved quality of life and a lower cost of living. If you’re considering starting a manufacturing business, use this guide as your roadmap to success.
