30 Profitable Small Scale Manufacturing Business Ideas in India
You know, there’s this powerful quote that goes, “No matter what anybody tells you, words and ideas can change the world.” And honestly, it’s so true! That’s exactly why we’re here today—to spark some ideas and bring a little inspiration your way.
We’ve put together a curated list of manufacturing business ideas that have the potential to give you BIG profits right here in India. Some of these businesses can be started with as little as 50,000 rupees! Watch this video till the end and tell us which business idea you like the most. We’ll make a detailed video of that particular idea to help you get started with it. Let’s get started!
Most Popular Small Manufacturing Business Ideas
1. Women’s Footwear
Let’s kick things off with women’s footwear! Women today love experimenting with new and unique styles to spice up their shoe collections. The demand for cruelty-free, non-leather, fashionable yet comfortable footwear is growing like never before.
Machinery Cost depends on how automated the process is and the type of footwear you plan to make, but you can start with a small-scale machine setups with a cost ranges between 10 to 15 lakhs.
Specialize! Whether it’s formal shoes, party wear, or super comfy everyday footwear, focusing on a niche can really help you stand out. Check out brands like Kanabis or Sole Sisters—they’ve made a mark by offering unique, stylish, and ethical options.
2. Paper tray manufacturing
Next up, we’ve got paper tray manufacturing, a business that’s really taking off lately!
With growing awareness about eco-friendly packaging, products like egg trays, food trays, and fruit trays are in high demand. And if you’re looking for a profitable and sustainable venture, starting a paper tray business—especially for egg trays—is a great option.
For raw materials, you’ll need recycled materials like waste paper and pulp. It’s cost-effective and environmentally friendly!
The machinery cost depends on your scale of production. For small-scale setups, you’re looking at around 5 lakh. But if you want to go all-in with a fully automatic setup, it can go up to 30 lakh.
3. Folders and File Manufacturing
Here’s another fantastic idea—file and folder manufacturing!
India has a huge market for office supplies, and files and folders are always in demand. Whether it’s for offices, schools, or personal use, there’s a steady need for both basic and customized options.
You can make these from plastic, paper, or PVC. For paper-based products, the main raw materials are wood pulp or recycled paper, which are processed into sturdy cardboard.
The cost of machinery for making paper files and folders depends on your production scale. Manual machines start at ₹1 lakh, while automated options can go up to ₹7 lakh.
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4. Hair Wigs and Hair extension
Let’s talk about a glamorous and fast-growing business—hair wigs and extensions!
The demand for wigs and extensions is booming, especially among women who love experimenting with styles. The Indian human hair extension market is already worth ₹11 billion and growing fast!
Thanks to trends in hair styling, fashion, and social media, more people are willing to pay a premium for quality wigs and extensions to change up their look effortlessly.
To start this business, you’ll need some specialized machines, with costs ranging from ₹2 lakh to ₹7 lakh, depending on the scale and type of production.
5. Homemade Cookies
Next up—homemade cookies! Who doesn’t love a good cookie, right? Especially when it’s packed with new and exciting flavors! Indians have a serious sweet tooth, and the demand for tasty treats is always high. If you think you can serve pure delight on a platter, this could be the perfect business for you!
To start a cookie-making business, you’ll need machinery like mixing machines, baking ovens, and cooling conveyors. The cost can range from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹20 lakh per piece, depending on the type and capacity of the machines.
For inspiration, check out Sweetish House Mafia. Founder Neha Arya Sethi started the brand from a small scale, and now it has a strong presence across cities like Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata, and Bangalore.
6. Toy Manufacturing
Next is a fun and exciting business idea—toy manufacturing!
India’s toy sector is booming. It was valued at $1.7 billion and is expected to grow to $4 billion by 2032. With rising demand for high-quality toys, especially modern and electronic ones, this is a fantastic opportunity to tap into both the domestic and international markets.
The Indian government is also supporting local toy manufacturing through initiatives like the PLI (Production Linked Incentive) scheme, making this the perfect time to get started.
To set up a small-scale, automated toy manufacturing unit, you’ll need an initial investment of around ₹8 lakh to ₹15 lakh and later you can scale into a big scale business.
7. Agarbati manufacturing
Let’s talk about a business idea that blends tradition, spirituality, and creativity—incense sticks, or agarbatti manufacturing! Agarbattis are an essential part of religious rituals, meditation practices, and even aromatherapy. The demand for them stays consistent throughout the year and spikes during festivals.
The Indian agarbatti market is massive, with an annual production value of ₹7,500 crore. It’s also a strong player in exports, making it a great option for those looking to go global.
The process of making agarbattis is relatively simple. You can start this business with a modest investment of ₹2.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, depending on the scale of production.
For inspiration, look at Nirmalya Incenses, which featured on Shark Tank’s second season. They’ve made waves by creating incense from floral waste—a unique and eco-friendly concept.
8. Concrete Block Manufacturing
Next idea is the concrete block manufacturing business!
Concrete blocks are precast solid cement products that are becoming the preferred choice in India’s booming construction industry. From residential buildings to bridges, malls, and industrial projects—these blocks are in high demand.
A few years ago, red bricks were the go-to material. But now, people are switching to concrete blocks because they’re durable, versatile, and have a modern aesthetic.
Starting this business requires machinery and raw materials, with an investment ranging from ₹20 lakh to ₹65 lakh, depending on the scale, location, and equipment you choose.
9. Ginger Garlic Paste Manufacturing
Here’s a flavorful and profitable idea—ginger and garlic paste manufacturing!
Ginger and garlic paste is a staple in Indian kitchens, making this a high-demand product year-round. The market is already valued at ₹1,875 crore and continues to grow steadily.
Starting this business is relatively simple. First, secure a workspace and ensure you have water and electricity supply in place. This business offers attractive profit margins of up to 60-70%!
You can begin with a small investment—starting as low as ₹70,000—and scale up to over ₹10 lakh, depending on the equipment and production capacity.
To stand out, focus on proper packaging and branding. A good-looking product always grabs attention and builds customer trust.
10. uPVC Door and Window Manufacturing
Next idea is a strong and sustainable business idea—uPVC door and window manufacturing!
uPVC doors and windows are highly sought after for their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, making them an excellent choice for modern construction projects.
The market for these products is growing rapidly, and your target audience includes homeowners, builders, developers, and commercial establishments.
One of the best parts of this business is its impressive profit margin of 30-35%. You can start a small-scale unit with an investment as low as ₹1 lakh, scaling up to ₹9 lakh or more depending on the capacity and quality of the production setup.
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11. Utensil Scrubber Manufacturing Business
Next idea is a strong and sustainable business idea—uPVC door and window manufacturing!
uPVC doors and windows are highly sought after for their durability, low maintenance, and energy efficiency, making them an excellent choice for modern construction projects.
The market for these products is growing rapidly, and your target audience includes homeowners, builders, developers, and commercial establishments.
One of the best parts of this business is its impressive profit margin of 30-35%. You can start a small-scale unit with an investment as low as ₹1 lakh, scaling up to ₹9 lakh or more depending on the capacity and quality of the production setup.
12. Hand Sanitizer Production
Next business idea is to promote hygiene and has a consistently high demand—hand sanitizer production!
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, hand sanitizers have become an essential part of everyone’s daily routine. People keep multiple bottles—at home, in the car, at the office, and even on the go. This makes it a great business opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs. From pocket-sized bottles to larger family packs, there’s a lot of room to innovate and meet diverse customer needs.
To start a sanitizer production unit, you’ll need an investment of around ₹16 lakh to ₹25.5 lakh, depending on your scale of production and the equipment you choose.