Machine Servicing and Rebuild Workshop
Run a small unit where clients bring motors, pumps and machine parts to be serviced, rebuilt and tested.
- C$15k-70k
- Full-time
- Own premises
- Licence or permit needed
Estimates for a small start in Canada, not guarantees.
What it is
A small rented workshop that services and rebuilds machine components such as gearboxes, pumps, motors and spindles. Clients drop items off or you collect them, and you can also take on bench work for other maintenance firms.
Your first three steps
- Price small industrial units near factories and check the zoning allows repair work
- Choose two or three component types to specialize in and source the bench tools and test gear you need
- Talk to local plant managers and maintenance firms about overflow work and agree trial jobs
Who pays
Factories, farms, machine shops, contractors and other maintenance companies that want repairs done without replacing the whole unit.
How it makes money
Fixed or quoted prices per repair or rebuild, hourly bench rate for diagnostics, and parts supplied at a mark-up. Repeat accounts with local plants give steadier work.
Skills that help
- Strong mechanical repair skills
- Testing and diagnosing faults
- Quoting jobs accurately
- Managing parts suppliers
Watch out for
- Zoning, municipal business licence and fire rules for your unit, so check with your municipality
- Commercial general liability and property insurance, plus cover for customers' equipment while it is in your care
- Provincial trade certification rules for the work you carry out
- Disposal of used oil, solvents and other waste, which provincial environmental rules may regulate
- Rent and tool costs are fixed, so build a base of repeat clients before committing to a lease
🔒 Full research report for Canada
Real cost breakdown with current prices, licences and registration checklist, local competition, pricing, break-even and a 30-day launch plan, with sources.
Coming soonQuestions people ask
How much does it cost to start a machine rebuild workshop?
Startup costs are typically estimated at around $15,000 to $70,000, depending on the unit you rent and the tools and equipment you need. Rent and tool costs are fixed, so build repeat clients before committing to a lease.
How much can a machine servicing workshop earn?
Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $5,000 to $25,000, depending on your mix of repeat clients and the types of jobs you take on. The estimates assume at least about 30 hours a week.
What rules should I check before opening a machine workshop in Canada?
Check zoning, municipal business licence and fire rules for your unit with your municipality. Also check insurance, including cover for customers' equipment in your care, provincial trade certification rules for your work, and provincial rules on disposing of used oil and solvents.
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