Contract Manufacturing Business

4 Contract Manufacturing Business Success Stories [2024]

Pat Walls

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Updated: October 10th, 2024

Ever thought about producing goods without owning a factory? Look into contract manufacturing. This business model involves outsourcing the production of products for other companies, enabling them to save on manufacturing costs and infrastructure investment.

As a contract manufacturer, you won't create products for your brand but will produce for other businesses under contract. Your primary tasks will include ensuring quality control, managing production schedules, and maintaining relationships with clients and suppliers.

The appeal is in the steady demand for outsourced production and the potential for long-term client relationships. Establishing a reliable production process and maintaining quality standards will be crucial.

If you have expertise in manufacturing and logistics, this business offers a practical way to leverage your skills while avoiding the hefty costs associated with setting up and operating a full manufacturing facility. It's a tangible, hands-on business that promises stable revenue streams for those ready to put in the work.

In this list, you'll find real-world contract manufacturing business success stories and very profitable examples of starting a contract manufacturing business that makes money.

1. International Ceramic Engineering ($24M/year)

In 1987, Merrill W. Higgins and his sons Jay and Andy saw a gap in the market for a responsive technical ceramic manufacturer, leading them to establish International Ceramic Engineering. Starting in a small rented space, they now operate two U.S. facilities, serving global clients with custom solutions.

How much money it makes: $24M/year
How much did it cost to start: $500K
How many people on the team: 16

The Story Behind Our 37-Year-Old Ceramics Manufacturing Business

Discover how a small family-run business, International Ceramic Engineering, leveraged targeted SEO strategies and custom technical sales to expand to two U.S. manufacturing facilities and serve a global clientele, achieving 20% growth without sacrificing margins.

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2. DetraPel ($7.2M/year)

David Zamarin, founder of DetraPel, came up with the idea for his business when he wanted to create a spray to protect his new Jordan shoes. However, lacking the chemistry knowledge, he started a shoe cleaning business instead. After discovering a harmful competitor's product, he sold his first business and invested the money into developing his own non-toxic and eco-friendly protective coatings, which has led to over $512,000 in sales in the last year.

How much money it makes: $7.2M/year
How much did it cost to start: $60K
How many people on the team: 24

DetraPel: A Stain Preventor Product That Got On Shark Tank

DetraPel is a company that manufactures and distributes eco-friendly liquid repellent sprays designed to protect fabric and leather belongings, which has made over $512,000 in sales last year and has successfully partnered with Shark Tank.

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3. Earth's Creation ($6M/year)

Donald Passwaters turned a setback into success, leveraging over 40 years in the supplement manufacturing industry to start EC Nutrition. Fired from FEDCO in his forties and faced with financial pressure, he channeled his expertise to build a multimillion-dollar enterprise, operating out of a 100,000 sq. ft. facility.

How much money it makes: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $100K
How many people on the team: 50

Building A $6M/Year Supplement Manufacturing Business

Case study: EC Nutrition, a manufacturer of nutraceuticals, started with no buildings or equipment and now operates out of a 100,000-square-foot facility, experiencing 400% growth in revenue over the past six years and anticipating another 400% increase in the next five years by expanding into new markets and launching new products targeting brain health and sports nutrition.

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4. KO-Pack ($3M/year)

Payton LaCivita, co-owner of KO-Pack, had a lifelong passion for entrepreneurship. After successfully launching his own brand and consulting for others, he saw an opportunity to disrupt the contract manufacturing and copacking industry. With a vision to provide fast and reliable services to e-commerce brands, Payton and his co-owners raised capital, built a state-of-the-art facility, and started attracting clients with their innovative product offerings and exceptional customer service. Since their launch in May 2020, KO-Pack has experienced impressive growth, adding new client partners weekly and averaging $150k in monthly revenue.

How much money it makes: $3M/year
How much did it cost to start: $1M
How many people on the team: 20

How We Started A $150K/Month Contract Manufacturing And Copacking Business

KO-Pack is a contract manufacturing and copacking company for men’s grooming, haircare, skincare, aroma therapy, and natural household products, growing at 40-60% YoY growth and averaging $150k per month.

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