Manufacturing business ideas you can run out and about
14 ideas
These 14 ideas suit people who like practical work and would rather be on the road than behind a counter. Many involve taking skills or stock to customers, such as mobile welding and fabrication, a van-based fasteners and consumables supplier, or a mobile food equipment service technician.
Food equipment sales agent for local producers
Sell mixers, slicers and packing machines from trusted brands to bakeries, butchers and food makers near you.
- C$2k-10k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile food equipment service technician
Repair, maintain and install mixers, slicers, ovens and packing lines at food producers' sites.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile welding and fabrication
Take a welder and tools to farms, building sites and yards to repair and fit metalwork on the spot.
- C$8k-35k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Metalworking machinery sales agent
Represent machine and tool makers or importers, and sell to local fabricators and machine shops for a commission.
- C$1.5k-7.5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Local supplier of measuring instruments to workshops
Visit machine shops, labs and contractors to supply measuring tools, restock regularly and advise on the right instrument.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Van-based fasteners and consumables supplier
Deliver fasteners, welding consumables, abrasives and small metal stock to local fabrication shops on a regular route.
- C$15k-60k
- Full-time
- Out and about
Antique and grandfather clock restorer
Restore, set up and maintain antique and long-case clocks, visiting homes and working from your own workshop.
- C$3k-14k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile iron repairs and small installs
Repair and fit gates, railings and brackets at customers' homes with a truck-mounted welding setup.
- C$4k-20k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Mobile food machinery service and parts
Repair and maintain mixers, slicers and packing machines at food businesses, and sell the spare parts.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Independent industrial tools and equipment reseller
Source tools, safety gear and machinery from manufacturers and sell to local workshops and contractors without holding stock.
- C$1k-5k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Boat repair and refit specialist
Repair fibreglass, aluminum or wooden boats and refit them for owners at marinas, yards and driveways.
- C$3k-15k
- Side hustle
- Out and about
Pallet reseller and delivery service
Buy pallets from a mill or recycler and deliver them to local businesses, with no workshop needed.
- C$3k-15k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile hydraulic hose and parts service
Drive to farms, yards and job sites to make hoses on the spot and supply valves and pumps.
- C$25k-90k
- Part-time
- Out and about
Mobile industrial vacuum dealer and service
Sell, service and supply filters for industrial vacuums to local workshops, factories and cleaning contractors.
- C$5k-25k
- Part-time
- Out and about
About these ideas
They tend to suit tradespeople, former factory or workshop staff, and anyone with a technical background who wants to work for themselves. Before you choose, think about the vehicle and tools you would need, where you would store parts or stock, and whether your trade needs a certification or licence in your province. Also consider who your first customers would be, since many of these ideas rely on local workshops, producers and repeat accounts.
Questions
Do I need a trade certification to start a mobile manufacturing or repair business in Canada?
It depends on the work and your province. Some trades, such as welding on certain structures or gas-related work, may require certification or a licensed tradesperson. Check with your provincial trade authority and your insurer before taking on paid jobs.
What insurance should I look into for a business that works at customers' premises?
Look at commercial general liability, vehicle cover for business use, and insurance for your tools and stock. If you work on customers' equipment, ask whether you need extra protection. A broker can explain what suits your work.
How can I keep startup costs down with a van-based business?
Consider starting with a smaller range of services or stock, and check whether a used vehicle or leased tools would work. Compare quotes for fit-out and insurance, and confirm any local rules on parking, storage or operating from home.