Custom Machine Building Workshop

Local manufacturers, food and beverage producers, farms, labs and other small businesses that need a one-off or small-batch machine.

Fixed quote per project with deposits and milestone payments, plus paid repairs, upgrades and modifications for past customers.

• Mechanical design and CAD
• Welding, machining or fabrication
• Basic electrical and controls knowledge
• Quoting and project management

• Commercial general liability and product liability insurance, since a faulty machine can cause serious injury
• Electrical and machine safety rules: custom equipment may need inspection or field approval in your province, so check with your provincial electrical safety authority
• Machine guarding and safety standards your customers may require, such as CSA standards
• Zoning and permits for an industrial unit, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire
• Clear written quotes and contracts, so scope creep doesn't eat your margin
• Cash flow on large jobs: ask for deposits before buying materials

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $25,000 to $120,000, depending on the workshop unit you rent, the equipment and tools you need, and the materials for your first jobs. Treat these as estimates and build your budget from real quotes.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $6,000 to $30,000, depending on how many jobs you win, how large they are and how well you quote. That is revenue, not profit, so allow for materials, rent and your own time.

Check commercial general liability and product liability insurance, electrical and machine safety rules (custom equipment may need inspection or field approval from your provincial electrical safety authority), safety standards customers may require such as CSA, zoning and permits for the unit, and WCB or WSIB coverage once you hire.