How to Start Surgical Mask Manufacturing Business in India

Surgical masks are in high demand these days. Once used only by health practitioners to avoid infection while conducting medical procedures, these are commonly used nowadays. Masks have been a major recommendation during the pandemic and seems like they are here to stay for a long time to come. Surgical mask manufacturing business can thus be termed as a lucrative one if planned efficiently. It is a good idea to invest in it. Even as the pandemic recedes, the demand for surgical masks will still remain high especially in a country like India.

In this article, we have shared a 10-step guide to start a surgical mask manufacturing business in India. So, read on!

Conduct Market Study

Although the demand for surgical masks is ever-increasing however this doesn’t mean that you just have to manufacture the masks and they will sell like hot cakes. It is to be understood that the growing demand for this product has led to the increase in its manufacturers too. So, you shall be faced with a good amount of competition. Thus, in order to fare well in the business it is important to conduct an extensive market study. This will help you identify where to set up the business, understand your potential customers, anticipate future market trends, gauge the risks and opportunities, and so on.

Plan the Budget

Once you get a fair idea about the market, it is time to plan the budget. It is best to keep the investment as minimal as you can without compromising on the quality of your end product. Once you earn the trust of the consumers and establish a foothold in the market, you can invest more.

Arrange Funds

It is time now to arrange the funds. You might have fixed deposits, liquid cash and assets in the form of property and gold. You might even have the option to take a business loan from bank or a private mortgage from a friend/ relative. It is important to understand which of these options to use to arrange funds for your upcoming business. If this seems confusing, we recommend you seek advice from a financial advisor.

Register

Next, you need to register your company as per the Company Registration Act. You may register it as public limited or private limited, sole proprietorship firm, partnership firm or limited liability partnership based on your plan. It is also essential to acquire ISI standard registration.

Look for a Suitable Space

After conducting the market study, you may already have decided the town/ city where you shall be setting up your factory/ office. Now, go ahead and find a suitable place that comes within your budget in your preferred town/ city. Do not be in a haste to finalize the deal. Explore all the available options to get to the most suitable one.

License and Paperwork

After finalising the space, you must acquire the Shop and Establishment Act License from the state authority. The procedure to apply and obtain the same may vary from state to state. So, understand the process specific to the state where you plan to establish the business and complete the formalities accordingly. In addition to this, you may be required to complete paperwork related to renting/ buying of space.

Purchase Equipment/ Machinery and Raw Material

This is yet another crucial step in the process of starting the surgical mask manufacturing business. Different types of machines are available to manufacture surgical masks. These include surgical mask making machine, non-woven mask blank making machine, tie on mask making machine, mask inner ear loop welding machine, and 3 ply mask making machine. These machines are used to make different types of masks and have different capacities. You must understand their functionality in order to purchase the one that best matches your requirement.

Now, you will find each of these machines/ equipment from quite a few brands. You must invest in high-quality ones to ensure smooth and uninterrupted work. The quality of raw material must also be assessed thoroughly to make sure the end product is durable and reliable. You may be required to invest more to lay hands at top quality material however the money spent shall be worth it.

Hire Manpower

Now that you have set up the machines/ equipment and have the raw material ready, you may go ahead and hire manpower. This task should not be difficult as manufacturing masks doesn’t require any specific educational background or experience. It is best to hire the locals for this work.

Train Your Employees

It is important to train your employees so that they are able to work efficiently and deliver their best. 3 ply mask making machine, as well as other machines and equipment, are easy to operate. So, it should not take much time to train the manpower. They should be able to learn the skill in a day or two.

Market Your Product

Lastly, as you start a new business, it is imperative to market your product. Thankfully, it has become quite easy to promote your business during the digital age. Make the most of digital tools and platforms including e-mail marketing, social media marketing, pay per click and search engine optimization to market your masks. It is best to seek assistance from a reputed digital marketing agency to manage the task in a professional manner.

To sum up, start by conducting a thorough market study, plan a budget, and arrange the funds wisely. Next, register your company and complete all the licensing and paperwork formalities after finalizing a suitable space. Look for top-quality surgical mask making machines, other essential equipment, and raw material, hire efficient manpower, train your employees well and start with the manufacturing process. Also, do not overlook the importance of promoting your business. Run marketing campaigns and advertise about your products using various digital as well as traditional mediums.

We hope the aforementioned information will help you plan and move systematically as you embark on the business of manufacturing surgical masks. Do let us know if you require further assistance from our end. We shall be glad to help you in this direction. Good luck for your new venture!