Small Automation Integrator with a Workshop

Local manufacturers, food processors, packaging and warehouse operators, and machine builders needing custom controls.

Fixed-price or time-and-materials projects covering design, parts markup, build and installation, plus service contracts and upgrades for repeat clients.

• Controls design and PLC programming
• Electrical panel building or managing licensed electricians
• Quoting and project management
• Sales and relationship building with plant managers

• Electrical contractor licensing and licensed electricians for wiring, check provincial rules
• Panel certification (such as CSA or cUL listing, or field evaluation), usually required by customers and inspectors
• Engineering sign-off and use of protected titles, check your provincial engineering regulator
• Machine safety standards (such as CSA Z432 and Z434), plus risk assessments
• Commercial general liability, professional liability and property insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire
• Cash flow: parts costs are paid up front and customers may pay late, so use deposits and milestone payments
• Check zoning for your unit and local permits for a workshop

Startup costs are typically around $20,000 to $90,000 CAD, depending on your workshop unit, tools, software and equipment. Parts are paid up front, so plan cash flow with deposits and milestone payments. These are estimates only.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000 CAD, depending on project size, team size and how many customers you win. Customers may pay late, so check cash flow carefully. Revenue is before costs, not profit.

Check provincial rules on electrical contractor licensing and licensed electricians for wiring, panel certification such as CSA or cUL listing, and engineering sign-off. Also check machine safety standards, zoning for your unit, and insurance.