In recent years, a wide range of sectors has witnessed transformation due to changing consumer preferences, government initiatives, and technological advancements. Therefore, many ventures have been considered by entrepreneurs who are eager to tap into profitable domains. As highlighted in the NPCS Sep 2015 edition, several manufacturing businesses were recommended as high-potential opportunities for those looking to enter the industrial space.
Promising Manufacturing Businesses to Start Today
To begin with, small-scale industries have been promoted under schemes like “Make in India” and “Startup India.” Because of this, aspiring entrepreneurs have been encouraged to explore low-investment models that ensure quick returns. Additionally, raw material availability, local demand, and export potential have further boosted the feasibility of various manufacturing businesses to start.
See Also : Cereal-Based Food Manufacturing
Food and Agro-Based Processing Units
First and foremost, agro-processing was emphasized. It was observed that products such as fruit pulps, tomato puree, jams, pickles, and ready-to-eat snacks were gaining popularity. Since India is an agricultural powerhouse, the raw material base remains strong. Moreover, with cold storage and packaging innovations, these units were suggested for both rural and urban areas. Consequently, such ventures were favored for their consistent demand and market stability.
Herbal and Natural Products
Natural products were being preferred more by health-conscious consumers. Due to this trend, manufacturing businesses to start in the herbal sector were recommended. Examples included herbal cosmetics, ayurvedic medicines, and plant-based wellness formulations. Although regulatory standards were to be met, it was believed that growth could be exponential through branding and quality assurance.
Plastic and Packaging Solutions
In addition to traditional sectors, newer packaging solutions gained attention. Plastic containers, pouches, PET bottles, and laminated films were considered profitable. Furthermore, because e-commerce and FMCG sectors required robust packaging, continuous demand was expected. By 2015, many small plants had been set up with automated machinery, which ensured consistent quality and production output.
Building Materials and Construction Items
Along with industrial expansion, infrastructure development was prioritized. Therefore, manufacturing businesses to start in this sector were projected as profitable. Examples included fly ash bricks, AAC blocks, cement tiles, wall putty, and paints. Due to increasing real estate activities, demand for construction-related goods was growing steadily. Especially in urban zones, developers were sourcing these from local units to reduce logistics costs.
Paper, Pulp & Packaging Board
Since environmental awareness was increasing, the demand for paper-based alternatives had surged. In the NPCS Sep 2015 edition, projects such as waste paper recycling, kraft paper, corrugated board, and disposable paper items were presented as viable options. Additionally, schools, offices, and businesses required stationery products consistently. Consequently, these ventures were seen as both eco-friendly and profitable.
Chemical and Cosmetic Production
Cosmetic formulations, detergents, soaps, floor cleaners, and industrial chemicals were also considered. Even though licenses and safety standards were mandatory, the production of such items was usually straightforward and scalable. In urban and semi-urban belts, these items were used daily. Hence, entrepreneurs were guided to choose niche segments like perfumes, body lotions, or specialty cleansers.
Garment and Textile Units
Equally important was the textile and garments sector. Small stitching units, readymade garments, and screen-printing setups were highlighted. Because fashion trends changed rapidly, product variety was encouraged. Furthermore, exports to Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia were growing. Therefore, manufacturing businesses to start in this sector were favored for their high employment potential and ease of entry.
Electrical and Electronics Assembly
Among technology-driven segments, electronic goods assembly—such as LED lights, mobile accessories, and power banks—was picking up pace. With rising demand for affordable electronics, assembling units were advised. Moreover, since imported kits could be sourced easily, the focus was shifted to packaging, testing, and branding. Even without full-fledged R&D, such setups were becoming operational within months.
Leather and Footwear Products
In some regions, leather goods and footwear industries were traditionally strong. Consequently, the NPCS Sep 2015 report included projects like sandal-making units, leather belts, handbags, and wallets. Given India’s skilled labor availability and low material costs, such businesses could be set up with minimal capital. Furthermore, domestic and export demand ensured a stable revenue model.
Engineering and Fabrication Services
Additionally, engineering units producing nuts, bolts, pipe fittings, and fabricated structures were in demand. The report noted that workshops using CNC machines, lathe equipment, and welding units were thriving in industrial belts. Since repair, maintenance, and supply needs were constant, such ventures were counted among reliable long-term options.
Renewable Energy Equipment and Bio Products
It must be noted that manufacturing businesses to start in the energy and sustainability domain were gaining momentum. Biogas units, solar panel mounting systems, and energy-efficient lighting systems were included. Furthermore, rural electrification and decentralized energy generation required local equipment providers. This opened new opportunities for entrepreneurs with a green vision.
Toys and Educational Products
Also, toy manufacturing—especially eco-friendly and educational varieties—was projected to grow. As awareness about learning through play increased, wooden toys, puzzle sets, and creative kits were encouraged. Additionally, government efforts to ban plastic toys provided momentum to this emerging industry.
Printing, Stationery & Board Games
Board games, office stationery, and customized printed materials formed a niche segment. Personalized diaries, school notebooks, visiting cards, and advertising flyers were being produced by digital and offset printers. Such units required limited investment and could serve a local customer base efficiently.
Mineral and Stone-Based Products
Regions rich in natural stones and minerals had the advantage of localized production. Items like marble tiles, granite slabs, ceramic sanitary ware, and stoneware pipes were mentioned in NPCS Sep 2015. Because of increased real estate and export needs, these ventures were deemed profitable when setup near raw material sources.
Cold Chain, Ice Cream, and Dairy Products
Dairy items, ice cream mixes, paneer, and cold chain setups were recommended for those with agricultural backgrounds. Processing milk into packaged products was made feasible with new technologies. Furthermore, rising demand from cafes, supermarkets, and retail chains created assured buyers for value-added dairy products.
Wood-Based Products and Furniture
Wooden furniture, modular kitchens, MDF boards, and plywood manufacturing were gaining popularity. Since interior decoration had become an aspirational segment, design-led products were in demand. Entrepreneurs were advised to focus on functional and modern aesthetics while entering this space.
Automotive Spare Parts and Lubricants
With more vehicles on the road, spare parts such as brake pads, filters, hoses, and lubricants became essential. Even recycled oil processing was considered profitable. This market was growing both in urban and semi-urban areas due to a rise in personal and commercial vehicle ownership.
Sanitary, Hygiene & Disposable Items
Hygiene-related products—such as sanitary napkins, baby diapers, wet wipes, and tissue papers—were featured prominently. Especially after the Swachh Bharat initiative, demand for affordable sanitary products increased rapidly. Therefore, manufacturing businesses to start in this category were seen as both impactful and profitable.
Water Treatment and Purification Units
Packaged drinking water units, RO water filter assembly lines, and water testing labs had become common. With growing concerns about clean drinking water, such setups offered good returns. Additionally, schools, restaurants, and factories formed a steady clientele for these services.
Decorative and Home Improvement Items
Finally, home decor items like candles, wall panels, clay crafts, and garden pots were included in the 2015 guide. Local artisans were trained to produce high-end products using traditional designs. These were sold online or through boutique stores, ensuring good margins.
Final Thoughts
From agro-processing to electronics and from herbal cosmetics to engineering components, the list provided in the NPCS Sep 2015 edition covered all major sectors. The key was to identify a market need, match it with available resources, and execute the project with proper planning.
See Also : Packaged Food Sector
Conclusion: Turn Ideas into Enterprise
All things considered, numerous manufacturing businesses to start were identified with promising potential. These were suggested based on ease of setup, demand cycles, and economic viability. For aspiring entrepreneurs, the report served as a valuable blueprint to turn ideas into operational enterprises. With government support, skill development, and proper project planning, a new generation of industrial entrepreneurs can emerge successfully.
