Small CNC mould and tooling shop

Plastics moulders, packaging and automotive suppliers, product designers and local manufacturers who need new tools, changes or quick repairs.

Quoted price per mould or tooling job, plus hourly rates for repairs, modifications and rush work. Repeat customers and maintenance work help smooth out gaps between big builds.

• Machining and toolmaking experience
• CAD/CAM programming
• Precision measuring and quality checking
• Quoting and managing deadlines

• Commercial general liability insurance, and check whether you need product or errors cover if a faulty tool damages a customer's production
• Zoning and permits for an industrial unit, plus electrical capacity for machines (check with your municipality)
• Workplace safety rules and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire (rules differ by province)
• Trade certification such as Red Seal tool and die or mould maker routes, and whether customers expect it (check your provincial apprenticeship body)
• Large cash outlay on equipment and slow payment from some manufacturers

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $60,000 to $250,000, depending on the machines and finishing equipment you choose. Watch the large cash outlay on equipment and slow payment from some manufacturers.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $8,000 to $40,000, depending on your equipment, your customers and the jobs you win. Expect to work around 35 hours a week or more.

Things to check include trade certification such as Red Seal tool and die or mould maker routes (ask your provincial apprenticeship body), zoning and permits for an industrial unit, electrical capacity, liability insurance, and WCB/WSIB coverage once you hire.