50 Best Manufacturing Businesses to Start in Canada in 2023

It is a known fact that one of the major vehicles that drive the economy of any nation is the manufacturing industry. The countries that are considered to be industrialized, advanced, and economically buoyant are countries with vibrant and active manufacturing sectors. Canada’s main manufacturing industries range from paper, aerospace, automobile, machinery, and food to clothing.

If you are considering going into the manufacturing industry in Canada, you won’t get it wrong because available data shows that the ease of doing business in Canada averaged 14.67 from 2008 until 2016, reaching an all-time high of 22.00 in 2016 and a record low of 8.00 in 2009.

Best Manufacturing Businesses to Start in Canada

  1. Manufacturing of Papers and Notebooks

Although the campaign for preserving trees is gaining prominence and people are encouraged to reduce the number of papers they use, there is a very large market for the paper industry. The market cuts across all sectors because people need papers in schools, offices and anywhere business is conducted. If you live in a province in Canada where you can easily get permits to fall trees, then you should consider starting a paper and notebook manufacturing business.

  1. Electric Bulb and Electrical Fittings Production

Electric bulbs and electrical fittings are found in buildings except in places where civilization and electricity have not gotten to. This shows that there is a global market for electric bulbs and electrical fittings. If you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry in Canada; then you should consider going into the production of electric bulbs and fittings.

  1. Kitchen Utensils and Cutleries Manufacturing

Pots, kettles, fry pans, cutleries, and other kitchen utensils are essentials in our homes, canteens, restaurants, hotels et al. Food is the number one need of humans and almost in all cases, kitchen utensils are used either in the process of preparing food or during eating.

As a matter of fact, there is hardly any household where you aren’t going to find kitchen utensils and cutleries. So, if you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing industry in Canada, the manufacturing of kitchen utensils and cutleries would be an excellent idea.

  1. Computer Peripheral Manufacturing

Another business you should consider starting if you are interested in the manufacturing industry is computer peripheral manufacturing. This industry includes companies that manufacture peripheral equipment for computers, such as monitors, keyboards, mice, printers, scanners and terminals, computer storage devices and attachments, data processing machines, and accessories.

  1. Rugs and Rubber Carpets Manufacturing

The market for rugs and rubber carpets is indeed a large one, and if you open a production factory for this type of business, you are going to break even within a short period of time especially if you have good marketing and promotion strategies.

  1. Manufacturing of Plastic Bottles

The food and drinks industry as well as the chemical industry requires plastic bottles to package some of their products. Water, drinks, chemicals et al are sold to the public only when they are properly packaged. If they are food and drinks processing companies in your area, as well as chemical manufacturing factories, it means that there is a market for plastic bottles.

  1. Battery Manufacturing

This industry manufactures two types of batteries, which include primary and secondary batteries. Secondary batteries are also known as rechargeable or storage batteries. Primary batteries have only one life and are not rechargeable. Industry products have a variety of uses, including in cell phones, medical equipment, households, and the automotive and transport sectors.

  1. Chemical Production

Another manufacturing business that is highly thriving in Canada is chemical production. Different chemicals that are used for different purposes, and all you need to do if you want to go into this type of business is to choose the type of chemical you want to specialize in. It could be cleaning and washing chemicals, food preservation chemicals, or any other chemical as long as you have a market for it.

  1. Nails, Nuts, and Bolts Manufacturing

Nails, nuts, and bolts are used in various industries. If you have the technical skills or the required start-up capital, you can start this type of business on a small scale and supply to cottage industries within your location. Operating large-scale nails, nuts, and bolts manufacturing business will enable you to explore international markets.

  1. Tires Manufacturing

Tires are used by airplanes, trucks, cars, bikes, bicycles, et al, and there is a large market for tires. There is hardly any city in the world where you won’t find automobiles which is why the sale of tires is thriving. If you are considering starting a thriving manufacturing business in Canada, you should consider setting up a tire manufacturing factory. It is a capital-intensive business, but also profitable.

  1. Adhesive Manufacturing

The adhesive manufacturing industry in Canada manufactures adhesives, glues and caulking compounds, rubber cement, epoxy, mucilage adhesives, pipe-sealing compounds, plumbers’ putty, dextrin, and starch glues, adhesives, except asphalt, dental and gypsum base. Adhesives are materials that are initially fluid or semifluid, but solidify when placed between two opposing solid materials.

  1. Male Apparel Manufacturing

The male apparel manufacturing industry in Canada manufactures masculine apparel from various fabrics. The industry engages in the manufacturing of underwear, nightwear, suits, coats, shirts, sweaters, slacks, jeans, swim apparel, athletic apparel, et al. The male apparel manufacturing industry is characterized by offshoring, import competition, and a significant shift toward the production of high-end products.

  1. Manufacturing of Children’s Toys

Children all over the world can easily relate to toys no matter the language they speak or the color of their skin. This shows that there is a very large market for children’s toys. If you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing sector in Canada, you can venture into the manufacturing of children’s toys.

  1. Cigarette and Tobacco Manufacturing

Operators within this industry stem and redry tobacco, cigarettes, and cigars. Industry operators get their raw materials from tobacco growers, and paper and fiber manufacturers. The cigarette and Tobacco Manufacturing industry in Canada has flourished despite having to contend with tough regulatory pressures, taxation, and declining cigarette consumption. The introduction of innovative smoking products has fueled much of the industry’s revenue growth.

  1. The Brand-Name Pharmaceutical Manufacturing

The brand-name pharmaceutical manufacturing industry in Canada develops prescription and over-the-counter products used to treat illnesses in humans and animals. Players in this industry engage in the manufacturing of brand-name drugs that have patent protection.

The Brand-Name Pharmaceutical Manufacturing industry has endured strong competitive pressures from generic drugs by innovating its product line and attracting higher demand from Canadians. In response to many brand-name drugs losing their patent protection, many operators have streamlined their operations.

  1. Manufacturing of Chemical Products

Chemical product manufacturing businesses manufacture a diverse range of chemical products. Key product groups include custom compounding plastic resins, toner cartridges, photographic chemicals, sensitized photographic film, paper, and plates. This is indeed a thriving line of business and the industry will likely benefit from improved demand from the construction and manufacturing markets, which themselves should be buoyed to some extent by stable oil prices.

  1. Manufacturing of Cosmetic and Beauty Products

The cosmetic and beauty product manufacturing industry in Canada prepares, blends, compounds, and packages beauty products and cosmetics. Products included in this industry are perfumes and colognes, makeup items, hair preparations, face creams, lotions, and other toiletries.

The cosmetic and beauty product manufacturing industry in Canada has experienced growth over much of the five years to 2022 by manufacturing widely accepted and necessary personal care products, such as shampoo and lotions. Revenue growth is determined by demand from wholesalers and retailers, which is ultimately driven by consumer spending, tastes, and preferences.

  1. Manufacturing of Fertilizer

Organic and non-organic fertilizers are needed in the agriculture sector; there is a large market for this type of business. The fertilizer manufacturing industry in Canada primarily manufactures fertilizer products. These products contain a different mixture of the three vital nutrients essential for plant growth which include nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium.

The products are distributed via wholesale arrangements with third parties or, in the case of vertically integrated operations, by the manufacturer. Fertilizer is a globally traded commodity and the prices of industrial goods are closely linked with global supply and demand conditions.

  1. Manufacturing of Audio and Video Equipment

The audio and video equipment manufacturing industry in Canada comprises manufacturers of electronic audio and video equipment. Globally, industry operators have offshored their manufacturing operations to low-cost countries. Domestically, they have retained their high value-added processes which require research and development expenditures. The industry has experienced high revenue volatility, with both strong growth and steep declines over the five years to 2021.

  1. Manufacturing of Communications Equipment

Operators in this industry primarily manufacture radio and TV broadcasting equipment, as well as other wireless communications equipment, such as antennas, set-top boxes, GPS systems, cell phones, satellite uplink technologies, and broadcasting equipment.

A drastically reduced Canadian dollar, combined with high import penetration and the release of the popular Apple iPhone, a strong competitor to the industry’s products, prevented the industry from experiencing revenue growth. Nevertheless, with the opening of markets in developing countries, this industry will experience growth.

  1. Hand Tools Manufacturing

If you are technically inclined, one of the manufacturing businesses you should consider starting is hand tools and equipment fabrication. There is a large market for tools such as hammers, tin cutters, pliers, screwdrivers, shaping tools, scissors, puncher, chisels, manual–hand saw, string trimmer, edging shears, turfing iron, half-moon cutter, and besom et al. Just ensure you conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies before launching the business. It is indeed a profitable business venture.

  1. Mobile Phones Accessories Manufacturing

The market for smartphones is increasing on daily bases, and as such, there is a corresponding increase in the demand for phone accessories, such as earphones, Bluetooth devices, casing, batteries, battery chargers, power banks et al. If you live in Canada, one of the businesses you should consider starting is mobile phone accessories manufacturing. It is a highly profitable business and there is a global market for it.

  1. Automobile Spare Parts Manufacturing

Automobiles are subjected to wear and tear hence the need for replacement of worn-out parts. If you have the financial capacity and good business skills, you can consider starting an automobile spare parts manufacturing business in Canada. Note that you must not produce all the parts of a car; you can specialize in manufacturing brake pads for different vehicle models and you will enjoy huge patronage.

  1. Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing

This industry manufactures boilers and heat exchangers. In addition to their manufacturing activities, they also provide installation services. Their products include boilers, which are closed vessels where fluid is heated; heat exchangers, which enable thermal energy to be transferred between fluids while keeping them separate; and radiators, which are simpler forms of heat exchangers.

25. Manufacturing of Buttons for Clothes

As small as buttons are, one can become a millionaire by only producing buttons in different shapes, sizes, colors, and designs. There is a large market for buttons because most clothes in the market have buttons. Part of what you need to do to grow this type of business is to network with companies who are into the manufacturing of clothes, uniforms et al; they are your major market. Ensure you conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies so that you won’t start this type of business on a trial-and-error method.

26. Manufacturing of Pesticides

Another thriving manufacturing business an entrepreneur can start in Canada is the manufacturing of pesticides. Operators in the Pesticide Manufacturing industry in Canada manufacture household and agricultural pest control chemicals. Industry products include pesticides and agricultural chemical products such as herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, insect repellents, sheep dips, fly sprays, and flea powders. It is a thriving business, especially in rural and farming communities.

27. Air Freshener Production

Air freshener is another product that can be mass-produced. If you are considering starting a low-budget yet thriving manufacturing business in Canada, then air freshener production is one of the manufacturing businesses you can start. With little start-up capital, you can successfully set up your company in Canada. There is a large market for air fresheners in Canada and air fresheners can be produced either in liquid, gaseous, or solid forms.

  1. Umbrella, Raincoats, and Rainboots Manufacturing

When it rains, people usually make use of umbrellas, raincoats, and rainboots and it is fact that spring (raining season) is constant; it comes yearly. Aside from the rain, people also make use of umbrellas to protect themselves from the sun. If you are considering starting a business in the manufacturing sector in Canada, consider the production of umbrellas, raincoats, rainboots et al. It is indeed a profitable business despite the fact it is a seasonal business.

29. Jewelry Production

Jewelry production is yet another thriving manufacturing business that an entrepreneur who wants to go into manufacturing business in Canada can start. There are rooms to start this type of business on a small, medium, or large scale. You can as well choose the kind of jewelry you want to manufacture. The fact remains that there is a large market for jewelry because women never get tired of purchasing jewelry.

  1. Manufacturing of Metal Can and Container

The metal can and container manufacturing industry in Canada manufactures light metal cans made of aluminum or steel that are used to package beverages and food. It also manufactures light metal shipping containers including barrels, drums, and pails. The Metal Can and Container Manufacturing industry in Canada is expected to grow over the five years to 2021, as consumer spending and the appreciation of the Canadian dollar offset each other. The improved export performance will also buoy the industry.

  1. Wire and Cable Manufacturing

Players in the Wire and Cable Manufacturing industry in Canada produce insulated nonferrous wire, cable, and fiber-optic cable products that are essential to the electronics, utilities, telecommunications, and construction markets. Interestingly, the industry has endured rising import competition over the five years to 2020, presenting a major obstacle to growth. Imports’ share of domestic demand for wire and cable is anticipated to reach 47.3 percent in 2021, up from 45.1 percent in 2015.

  1. Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing

The Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing industry in Canada produces a range of input devices that are necessary for the production of electronics, including circuits and memory chips integrated circuits, semiconductor devices and parts, bare printed circuit boards, printed circuit assemblies, electric connectors and inductors, and all other electronic components.

Between 2015 and 2019, the industry expanded despite continued offshoring and greater competition from the US and East Asian manufacturers, which offer lower-priced products due to more competitive labor costs.

  1. Manufacturing of Wristwatches and Wall Clocks

There are well-known brands in the wristwatch and wall clock manufacturing business, but this does not mean that you will not attract your own market if you start this business in Canada. As a matter of fact, the average person that goes to the market to purchase a wristwatch or wall clock does not really care about the brand name as long as the product is good and affordable. So, if you are looking for a business to start in the manufacturing industry in Canada, consider the production of wristwatches and wall clocks.

  1. Manufacturing of Soap and Cleaning Compound

If you are looking for a business to start in the manufacturing industry in Canada, consider the production of soap and cleaning compounds; there is a large market for this type of business.

Although the Soap and Cleaning Compound Manufacturing industry in Canada has contracted over the five years to 2021, the good news is that the industry has benefited from growth in the Canadian population, which has increased demand for industry products from households, in addition to the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic, which increased demand for soap and cleaning compounds.

35. Textile Production

Another profitable and highly thriving manufacturing business you should consider starting in Canada is a textile production factory. There is a very large global market for textiles. Just like most manufacturing businesses, setting up a textile manufacturing company is capital intensive. If you are considering starting this type of business, you should come up with a workable business plan and you will be able to comfortably penetrate the textile market.

36. Furniture Manufacturing

Furniture is another essential property that is needed in offices, homes, schools, and virtually any building facility. Chairs, tables, cupboards, beds, cabins, shelves, wardrobes, et al are highly marketable.

If you are looking towards starting a thriving manufacturing business in Canada whose products cut across both the rich and the poor, then you consider starting a furniture manufacturing business. If your furniture is good and of high quality, and you are able to promote your brand, you will be able to attract customers not only in Canada but also from the international market.

  1. Mattress and Pillow Manufacturing

One of the products you can start manufacturing if you are considering going into the manufacturing industry is the manufacturing of matrasses and pillows.

There is hardly any home where you will not find at least a mattress and a pillow. This shows that there is a very large market for pillows and matrasses. No matter the industry you are in and the competition in the industry, if your products are of good quality and you have a good marketing and sales strategy, you can favorably compete in the industry.

  1. Safety Helmets, C-Caution, Safety Boots, and Other Safety Gadgets Production

Safety helmets, C-caution, safety boots, and other safety gadgets production is another thriving business that an entrepreneur can consider starting in Canada. There is a large market for safety gadgets such as helmets, overalls, protective goggles, safety boots, safety vest (bib) et al.

If you are considering starting this type of business, then you must be willing to work with the standard and specifications of the regulatory bodies in the industry. It is a capital-intensive industry and a profitable venture to go into. But it is advisable to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies before starting this type of business.

  1. Water Closet and Ceramic Wares Production

Washing hand basins, and water closets are essentials in building facilities. A building is not complete if there are no toilets hence the high demand for WCs and other ceramic wares. It is a thriving and highly profitable business.

  1. Diapers and Baby Wipes Production

Diapers and baby wipes are essential commodities for parents and these products are used for babies and children between the ages of 0 months and 2 ½ years. Parents with babies and children that fall within the stated age brackets don’t have any option other than to purchase diapers and baby wipes.

If you are considering starting a thriving and profitable manufacturing business in Canada, producing diapers and baby wipes won’t be a bad idea. Although there are major players in the business, one thing is certain, if your products are of good quality and affordable, you will surely attract your own market.

  1. Doors Manufacturing

Doors are essential components of a building. If you are considering starting a manufacturing company in Canada and you have not made up your mind on the product to produce, then you should consider going into door manufacturing. Much more than manufacturing regular doors, you can also specialize in the production of security doors. There is a huge market for security doors and the business is indeed profitable in Canada.

  1. Aluminum Products Manufacturing

There are several products that can be made from aluminum, such as doors, roofs, pans, et al. If you are looking for a thriving manufacturing business to start in Canada, you can consider aluminum product manufacturing. Before starting this type of business, it is advisable to conduct a thorough market survey and feasibility studies to be able to identify aluminum products that are highly sellable; it will make marketing easier for your marketing team. You can as well produce plain aluminum sheets, there is also a large market for it.

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