Small toolroom making production moulds

Local plastics moulders, product makers, engineering firms and manufacturers who need new tooling, modifications or urgent repairs.

Quoted price per new mould or per job, plus hourly rates for repairs, modifications and tool maintenance. Repeat repair work from a few regular customers helps keep income steady.

• Machining and toolmaking trade skills
• CAD/CAM software
• Reading engineering drawings
• Accurate quoting and job planning

• Public liability and product liability insurance, and check what cover you need if a faulty mould causes customer losses
• Council zoning for an industrial unit, and any rules on noise, coolant and waste oil disposal
• Machine safety and your WHS obligations under your state's workplace safety regulator
• Large upfront costs and long payment times, so check customer terms and consider deposits
• Workers compensation insurance once you hire, through your state scheme
• Registering an ABN and checking when you need to register for GST

Startup costs are typically around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the machines you buy, whether they are new or second-hand, and your workshop unit. These are estimates only. Large upfront costs and slow customer payments are worth planning for, so check terms and consider deposits.

Monthly revenue is typically around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on the jobs you win, your machine capacity and the hours you put in. This is revenue before costs, not profit. Plan on at least about 30 hours a week.

Check public liability and product liability cover, including what applies if a faulty mould causes customer losses. Check council zoning for an industrial unit, rules on noise, coolant and waste oil, your WHS obligations, workers compensation once you hire, and ABN and GST registration.