manufacturing business plan

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Start » strategy, how to build a manufacturing business plan.

A manufacturing business plan can help get your new venture off the ground and running smoothly.

A manufacturing business plan outlines the goals, strategies, and operations of a manufacturing company. Use this article as a road map for your business and to help recruit investors as your operation grows.

Manufacturing business plans vary slightly compared to business plans for other types of companies. Here's what goes into a manufacturing business plan and how to create one for your venture.

Why do companies need manufacturing business plans?

Manufacturing business plans are used for the same purpose as other companies' plans. These documents help set clear goals and objectives for internal stakeholders. They provide a framework for making decisions around financing, budgeting, hiring, and procurement. Additionally, investors and lenders often require a business plan to assess the venture's potential.

Business plans are meant to be flexible, living documents that are revisited periodically as the business grows. Writing a manufacturing business plan is a good exercise in understanding what equipment will be needed, evaluating the size of the market your business is based in, and assessing your competition. These things will change over time, so make sure you adjust your plan as your company matures.

[Read more: How to Use AI Tools to Write a Business Plan ]

What goes into a manufacturing business plan?

Manufacturing plans can be very detailed, but at a minimum should include the following sections:

• An executive summary.
• A company description.
• A production plan.
• An industry analysis.
• The target market.
• Compliance.
• A financial plan.

Some manufacturing plans also include sections for marketing, management, and operations. An operations plan can include the details of how you will source materials, your design process, how you will manage production, and ways to coordinate logistics with potential buyers. Marketing sections detail how you will position your product and reach potential buyers, while management identifies the key roles for which you will hire.

[Read more: 6 Product Design Software Programs for Beginners ]

While there's a lot of overlap with a normal business plan, manufacturing companies have unique processes and constraints they need to consider and address in their plan.

Why are manufacturing business plans unique?

The production plan section should provide a detailed outline of the manufacturing process, equipment, facilities, and supply chain. It should also include operational details that are crucial to the success of the manufacturing business: quality control, inventory management, and supply chain logistics, which should be covered extensively.

Manufacturing business plans also play an outsized role in recruiting funding. Manufacturers often require significant capital investments in equipment, machinery, and facilities. The financial projections included in the plan must accurately reflect these costs to ensure adequate funding for getting off the ground.

Finally, meeting global environmental, safety, and quality regulations is no easy feat. Identifying these requirements early positions the manufacturer to be compliant, as well as to assess which supply chain partners are also able to meet these rules. A manufacturing business plan should detail supply chain management, compliance demands, and steps to streamline both of these key elements.

How to write a manufacturing business plan

The easiest way to get started is to use a template. A few outlines are available online, like this one from Katana or this one from MoreBusiness.com . Start by defining your business and answering questions such as:

• What product will the business manufacture?
• Who is the target market of ideal customers?
• What makes this product unique?
• What business structure will be used?

From there, you can work through section by section to conduct market research, develop your operations plan, prototype your product, and identify supply chain partners. Include financial projections such as your startup costs, operational costs, revenue projections, and the break-even point.

"It's important to be optimistic when starting a new business, but you also need to be realistic. This is especially true when it comes to financial projections. Don't overestimate the amount of revenue you will generate or underestimate the costs of goods sold," wrote Katana .

Breaking your plan down into smaller sections can make it easier to identify areas where you need outside help too. Don't be shy about asking others in the industry for advice.

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• Sample Business Plans
• Manufacturing & Wholesale

Manufacturing Business Plan

If you are planning to start a new manufacturing , fabrication, or production business, the first thing you will need is a business plan. Use our business plan example created using upmetrics business plan software to start writing your business plan in no time.

Before you start writing your business plan for your new manufacturing business, spend as much time as you can reading through some examples of manufacturing, fabrication, or production business plans.

Reading some sample business plans will give you a good idea of what you’re aiming for. Also, it will show you the different sections that different entrepreneurs include and the language they use to write about themselves and their business plans.

We have created this business plan example for you to get a good idea about how a perfect manufacturing business plan should look like and what details you will need to include in your stunning business plan.

Manufacturing Business Plan Example Outline

This is the standard business plan outline which will cover all important sections that you should include in your business plan.

• Business Profile Summary
• Market Research Summary
• Marketing Summary
• Business Description
• Unique Value Proposition
• Company History
• Legal Structure
• Vision & Mission
• Professional Advisors
• Goals & Objectives
• Premium Sustainable Leather Designer Bag
• Alternate Sustainable Material Bag
• Heirloom Limited Edition Bag
• Basic Purse
• Industry Profile & Outlook
• Local Market
• Ci Comme Ca
• Target Market
• Customer Survey Summary
• Premium Sustainable Leather Material Bag
• Digital Marketing
• In-Person Marketing
• Print Marketing
• Location(s)
• Legal Issues
• Insurance Issues
• Jennifer Martinez
• Packaging/Shipping/Handling
• Manufacturing Assistant
• Marketing Designer
• Production Flow and Delivery Method of Products and Services
• Risk Assessment
• Breakeven analysis
• Projected Profit and Loss
• Projected Cash Flow
• Projected Balance Sheet

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After  getting started with upmetrics , you can copy this manufacturing business plan example into your business plan and modify the required information and download your manufacturing business plan pdf and doc file . It’s the fastest and easiest way to start writing your business plan.

What to include in a manufacturing business plan?

Now before you go ahead and write your plan, we’ll discuss a few main sections that’ll help you write a well-rounded plan:

1. Executive Summary

The executive summary section of your business plan sums up everything that your business stands for. It consists of a summary of all the major sections of your business plan including the mission and vision statement, market research, marketing, and finances.

If you want to explain your business idea to someone in under 10 minutes, an executive summary would do the job. If you plan on getting funded, write a good and well-rounded executive summary as this is probably the only section your investor would read.

For example, if you are going to manufacture bags your executive summary would consist of a brief description of your target audience, your product, major points of market analysis and financial plan, your funding requirements and how would you provide a return on that funding.

2. Business description

This section consists of information about your company ranging from your product, and the size of your team to your legal structure. It describes the aims and objectives of your business and what you do to fulfill them.

This section sums up the structural and legal aspects of your business. It serves as a reference whenever you want to make changes to your company’s structure.

Continuing the above example of a bag manufacturing unit, your business description would consist of the following things:

• The part of bag production your unit participates in.
• The number of employees and their position in your company.
• The legal structure of your business .
• The market needs your business fulfilled.

3. Product Description

This section consists of a detailed description of your product, the market it caters to, and your pricing strategy.

This section helps you define your product clearly and concisely. It also helps your customers understand your product and its purpose better.

For example, as a bag manufacturing unit, you will note down the size, the material, and the type of bags you manufacture.

4. Market Research

This section would consist of everything you can find out about your industry through research. It consists of an overview of your industry, market size, major competitors, and target market.

This section comes in handy for formulating your marketing strategy and for finding your USP. Moreover, it helps you optimize your product as per the tastes and preferences of your customers.

For example, like a bag manufacturing business, you’ll research the bag industry, the local market, what market segments buy bags, out of them who will be your target audience, and finally what kind of bags your target audience prefers.

5. Sales and Marketing Strategy

This section would consist of the mediums you will use for reaching out to your target audience. It would also consist of methods of highlighting your USP for attracting a customer’s attention toward your product.

This section is necessary for letting your target audience know about your existence. You can promote your product through various mediums like print, advertising, digital media, etc.

For example, like a bag manufacturing business, your target audience will be bag wholesalers and retailers, you’ll have to find what kind of bags they prefer buying, what terms and conditions do they prefer, and what medium you can use for reaching out to them.

While selling your bags you must always try to find a middle ground between the deal the wholesaler or retailer wants and the one you are willing to offer.

6. Operations Plan

Your operations plan consists of your goals and aims for your business, as well as the ways for achieving them. It typically describes what an average day at your business would look like, and what target would your daily business activities help in fulfilling.

Your operations plan helps you stay organized as a business. It also helps you manage your business smoothly and efficiently.

Continuing the above example your operations plan would consist of the number of bags you’ll manufacture per day, the sales and marketing you’ll carry out on a daily, weekly, or bi-weekly basis, etc.

7. Financial Plan

The financial plan section consists of your funding requirements, projected balance sheet, cash flow , and profits.

A good financial plan helps your business in becoming a profitable one. Moreover, it keeps your business afloat during difficult times.

As a manufacturing business, you will include your cost of production, the number of units you’ll have to sell to reach the break-even point , and how you will optimize the production cost and other miscellaneous costs to make your business a profitable one.

Download a sample manufacturing business plan

Need help writing your business plan from scratch? Here you go; download our free manufacturing business plan pdf to start.

It’s a modern business plan template specifically designed for your manufacturing business. Use the example business plan as a guide for writing your own.

The Quickest Way to turn a Business Idea into a Business Plan

Fill-in-the-blanks and automatic financials make it easy.

Manufacturing business plan summary

In conclusion, a manufacturing business plan can help you decide everything ranging from your production to marketing and pricing strategy.

Moreover, it eliminates the hassles of doing business and helps you manage your business better. It also helps you recognize loopholes in your ideas and way of working.

Above all, a business plan prepares you equally for threats and opportunities. So if you want to start your manufacturing business, go ahead and start planning.

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Upmetrics is the #1 business planning software that helps entrepreneurs and business owners create investment-ready business plans using AI. We regularly share business planning insights on our blog. Check out the Upmetrics blog for such interesting reads. Read more

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Getting started: A guide to creating a manufacturing business plan

What is a manufacturing business plan.

A manufacturing business plan is a formal document that outlines the goals and objectives of your business. It includes detailed information about your: 

• Products or services 
• Target market 
• Marketing strategy
• Financial projections 
• Operational details  

The purpose of a business plan is to give you a roadmap to follow as you build and grow your business. It forces you to think through every aspect of your venture and identify potential problems or roadblocks before they happen. 

Manufacturing business plans can also be used to attract investors or secure funding from lenders. If you are looking for outside financing, your business plan needs to be even more detailed and include information on your management team, financial history, and expected growth. 

Ideally, you should update your business plan yearly to ensure that it remains relevant and accurate. As your business grows and changes, so too should your plan. 

Why does a manufacturing company need a business plan?

No matter how simple or complex your ideas may be, you need a plan, or they will never become a reality. A business plan will clearly understand your costs, competition, and target market. It will also help you to set realistic goals and track your progress over time. 

Let’s look at a manufacturing strategy example. You have a great idea that you think will revolutionize the  automotive industry . Your new safety harness will be made from a lightweight, yet incredibly strong, material that cannot be cut or torn. You are confident that your product will be in high demand and generate a lot of revenue. 

But before you walk into Ford or Toyota to try and get a  purchase order , you need to have a plan. You must know: 

• How much will it cost to produce your product
• How many units do you need to sell to break even 
• Who is your target market is 
• What is your competition selling 
• How will you reach your target market 

You also need to clearly understand the regulatory landscape and what it takes to bring a new product to market. All of this information (and more) should be included in your business plan. 

This is not just a document that you create and forget about. It is a living, breathing tool that should be used to guide your actions as you build and grow your business. 

What are the key components of a business plan?

Every manufacturing business plan will be different, but almost always, they will include the same five components: 

Executive summary

Company description, products and services, market analysis.

• Financial plan 

Let’s take a closer look.

The executive summary is the first section of your business plan, but it is typically written last. This is because it should be a concise overview of everything that follows, and you can only do that once you have completed the rest of your plan. 

Include the following in your executive summary: 

• The problem that your product or service solves
• Your target market
• Your unique selling proposition (what makes you different from your competitors?)
• Your manufacturing business model (how will you make money?)
• Your sales and  marketing strategy
• A brief overview of your financial projections

Someone should be able to quickly scan through your executive summary and have a pretty good understanding of what your business is and how it plans to be successful. 

This is where you can get a bit more creative, explaining your company’s history, mission, and values. You will also include information on your team or management structure. 

It can be simple but should inspire faith in your ability to execute your business plan. 

You will need to provide a detailed description of your product or service, as well as any unique features or benefits that it offers. You should also include information on your  manufacturing process  and  quality control  procedures. 

If you have any patents or proprietary technology, they should be listed here as significant assets for your business. 

For example, let’s say you are planning on creating a brand-new line of disposable coffee cups. The dimensions, materials, and other specifications would be listed here, along with any unique benefits (such as being made from recycled materials). 

You might also include information on your manufacturing process, such as the fact that the cups will be produced in a certified clean room or that you will employ workers local to where the product is sold.

Chances are, you started down this path because you realized that there was a market opportunity for your product or service. In this section, you will need to provide detailed information on the opening, as well as the analysis that convinced you to pursue it. 

This should include: 

• Market size (current and projected)
• Key market segments
• Customer needs and wants
• Competitive landscape 

This is where you will need to do your homework, as you will be justifying your business decision to enter this particular market. The more data and analysis you can provide, the better. 

For our coffee cup example, the market analysis might include:

• Information on how many cups are used every day 
• Projected growth 
• Key segments (such as office workers or on-the-go consumers) 
• Customer needs (such as convenience or sustainability)  

It would also examine the competitive landscape, including both direct and indirect competitors.

Financial plan

You’re in this to make money, and so are your potential investors. In this section, you will need to provide detailed information on your manufacturing business model and how it will generate revenue. This should include: 

• Initial investment
• Sales forecast
• Carrying costs
• Pricing strategy
• Expense budget 

You will also need to provide information on your long-term financial goals, such as profitability or break-even point. Discuss production line details,  inventory management strategies , and other factors impacting your bottom line.

How to write a business plan for a manufacturing company

The process of creating a business plan for a manufacturing company is similar to any other type of business. However, there are some key considerations to keep in mind. 

First, you need to understand your industry and what it will take to be successful in it. This includes understanding the competitive landscape,  the costs of goods sold , and the margins you can expect to achieve. 

You also need to have a clear understanding of your target market and what needs or wants your product or service will address. This market analysis should include information on your target customer’s demographics, psychographics, and buying habits. 

While there will be many things specific to your company, here are five questions to answer for each of the sections listed above. 

Executive summary: 

• What is the problem that your company will solve? 
• How will your company solve that problem? 
• Who are your target customers? 
• What are your key competitive advantages? 
• What is your business model? 

Company description: 

• What is the legal structure of your company? 
• What are your company’s core values? 
• What is your company’s history? 
• Who are the key members of your management team? 
• Where is your manufacturing facility located? 

Products and services: 

• What product or service does your company offer? 
• How does your product or service solve the problem that your target market has? 
• What are the key features and benefits of your product or service? 
• How is your product or service unique from your competitors? 
• What is the production process for your product or service? 

Market analysis: 

• Who is your target market? 
• What needs or wants does your target market have that your product or service will address? 
• What is the size of your target market? 
• How do you expect the needs of your target market to change in the future? 
• Who are your key competitors, and how do they serve the needs of your target market? 

Financial plan:

• What are the start-up costs for your company? 
• How will you finance your start-up costs? 
• What are your monthly operating expenses? 
• What is your sales forecast for the first year, and how does that compare to your industry’s average sales growth rate? 
• What are your gross margin and profit targets?

Even if you do nothing but answer these questions, you’ll be well on your way to creating a thorough manufacturing business plan. 

How to stabilize your growth

When getting started, managing your business with spreadsheets might be okay. But, once sales and manufacturing orders start to increase, the inefficiencies of manually managing your business come to light. That’s why many turn to automation to keep their manufacturing on track.

Common mistakes to avoid

However, new manufacturing entrepreneurs often fall into a handful of traps when creating their business plans.

• Not doing enough research  – You can’t know everything about your industry, but you should do your best to understand as much as you can before writing your business plan. This means talking to experts, reading trade publications, and studying the competition
• Not being realistic  – It’s important to be optimistic when starting a new business, but you also need to be realistic. This is especially true when it comes to financial projections. Don’t overestimate the amount of revenue you will generate or underestimate the costs of goods sold
• Not having a clear understanding of your target market  – You need to know who you are selling to and what needs or wants your product or service will address. This market analysis should include information on your target customer’s demographics, psychographics, and buying habits
• Failing to understand your competition  – You need to know who your competitors are, what they are offering, and how you can differentiate yourself. This information will be critical in developing your marketing strategy
• Not having a clear vision for the future  – Your manufacturing business plan should include a section on your long-term goals and objectives. What does your company hope to achieve in the next five years? Ten years? Twenty years? 

Creating a business plan for manufacturing can be simple. It can be quite simple if you break it down into smaller pieces.

Once you have it in place, staying on track can be quite a bit more difficult. By using  ERP software like Katana , you can track all of your key metrics in real time, avoid any potential issues, and make course corrections as needed. 

To start following your plan and creating a successful manufacturing company,  get a Katana demo  today.

Table of contents

Manufacturing guide.

1. What is manufacturing

1. 1. Production vs. manufacturing

1.2. Production scheduling software

1.3. Production tracking software

2. How to start a manufacturing business

2.1.How to manufacture a product

2.2. Manufacturing best practice

2.3. A guide to creating a manufacturing business plan

2.4. Manufacturer ecommerce

2.5. Marketing for manufacturers

2.6. Manufacturing business processes

2.7. Food manufacturing

2.8. Small business manufacturing software

3. Manufacturing processes

3.1. Job shop manufacturing

3.2. Production quality control checklist

4. Lean manufacturing principles

4.1. Just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing

4.2. Tips to reduce manufacturing waste

4.3. Manufacturing KPIs

5. Light manufacturing

6. Advanced manufacturing

7. IoT in manufacturing

8. Manufacturing challenges

9. Total manufacturing cost

9.1. Manufacturing overhead formula

9.2. Manufacturing inventory software

10. Good manufacturing practices

11. MRP systems

11.1. MRP in supply chain management

11.2. Best MRP software

12. Manufacturing ERP systems

12.1. Best ERP software for manufacturing

12.2. Manufacturing execution systems (MES)

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