Aluminium Window and Door Frame Workshop
Cut, assemble and supply made-to-size aluminium frames to local glaziers, builders and fabricators.
- A$40k-150k
- Full-time
- Own premises
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A small industrial unit where you cut, machine and assemble aluminium extrusions into window and door frames to your customers' sizes, ready for glazing and installation.
Your first three steps
- Visit local glaziers and builders to find out what frame types, sizes and lead times they struggle to get
- Get quotes from extrusion suppliers and for a second-hand saw, crimper and workbenches, then price a sample job
- Find a small industrial unit to lease and ask a few trade customers for trial orders before committing fully
Who pays
Local glaziers, builders, window and door installers and other fabricators who prefer to buy frames rather than make them.
How it makes money
You charge per frame or per job, priced on materials plus labour and a margin. Repeat trade accounts and steady orders from a few regular customers are what keep the workshop busy.
Skills that help
- Accurate measuring and metalwork
- Reading plans and order sheets
- Dealing with trade customers
- Planning production and deliveries
Watch out for
- Check which Australian Standards, energy ratings and bushfire requirements your customers need the frames to meet
- Check zoning and permitted use for your unit with the local council
- Public and product liability insurance, plus workers compensation once you hire
- Workplace health and safety for cutting machinery, noise and manual handling
- Trade customers often pay on account, so manage cash flow and chase late payments
🔒 Full research report for Australia
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start an aluminium frame workshop in Australia?
Startup costs are estimated at typically around $40,000 to $150,000, depending on your unit, machinery and stock. Monthly revenue is estimated at around $10,000 to $50,000, depending on your customers and production capacity.
What rules should I check before making aluminium window and door frames?
Check which Australian Standards, energy ratings and bushfire requirements your customers need the frames to meet, plus zoning and permitted use for your unit with the local council. Also check workplace health and safety for cutting machinery, noise and manual handling.
How much time does a frame workshop take each week?
The estimates suggest at least around 35 hours a week, as you cut, assemble and deliver made-to-size frames. Trade customers often pay on account, so also allow time to manage cash flow and chase late payments.
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