Machinery repair workshop
Run a small workshop where local businesses and farms bring machines and parts for repair, rebuilds and servicing.
- A$20k-100k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Australia, not guarantees.
What it is
A rented unit or shed fitted out with a bench, lathe, welder and press, where you repair, rebuild and fabricate parts for machines brought in by customers.
Your first three steps
- Look at industrial units or sheds to rent in your area and compare costs
- Make a list of the core equipment you need, and price second-hand options
- Contact local businesses and farms to ask what repairs they currently struggle to get done quickly
Who pays
Local factories, workshops, farmers and contractors who need repairs done or custom parts made.
How it makes money
Hourly labour and fabrication charges, parts at a margin, and larger rebuild jobs quoted at a fixed price.
Skills that help
- Machining, welding or fitting trade skills
- Quoting jobs accurately
- Managing several jobs at once
- Customer service
Watch out for
- Zoning and council approval for running a workshop at your premises, check with your local council
- Public liability, property and tools insurance
- Licences or certifications for specific work, such as welding on pressure equipment, check your state's regulator
- Noise, fumes and waste oil rules, check with your local council and state environmental authority
- Lease costs and quiet months, plan some buffer
Deep research report · Australia
Everything you need to start: machinery repair workshop
Researched with live web search for Australia: real startup prices, the licences and rules, what others charge, a break-even example, how to find your first customers and a 30-day launch plan. With sources.
- Startup costs with real prices
- Licences, registration and rules
- Pricing: what others charge
- Break-even example
- Finding your first customers
- 30-day launch plan
- Risks and how to reduce them
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to start a machinery repair workshop?
Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $100,000, depending on your premises and how you fit out the workshop with equipment. These are estimates, so get quotes before signing a lease.
How much can a machinery repair workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many repair and fabrication jobs you win. Estimates start from about 35 hours a week, and lease costs mean it pays to plan a buffer for quiet months.
What rules should I check before opening a machinery repair workshop?
Check zoning and council approval for running a workshop at your premises, plus insurance. Also check licences or certifications for specific work such as welding on pressure equipment, and noise, fumes and waste oil rules with your council and state environmental authority.
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