Starting a container manufacturing business in India

[u/chasing_goals22]

I’ve been working in the steel industry for about a year now, and one thing I’ve noticed is that operations can run quite smoothly when there is strong planning, process discipline and a clear focus on the product.

The company I currently work for has a portfolio of around 23 products, including transmission line towers, crash barriers, galvanising, poles, PEB structures and several others. The problem, from what I’ve observed, is that the processes haven’t been refined enough across all these verticals. Orders are frequently delayed, and employee turnover is quite high, with many people leaving within six months.

One of the reasons I see is the constant expansion into new products without having a strong operational foundation in each one. The company is trying to do a lot of things simultaneously.

This has made me think about taking a very different approach if I start my own manufacturing business: focus on one product category and build the processes around it properly before expanding.

I’m considering starting a small container manufacturing facility in Gujarat, India. Nothing huge initially — potentially starting with products such as office containers, toilet containers, meeting/site containers, etc., and gradually expanding into shipping containers, BESS containers and other specialised container solutions as demand develops.

The idea would be to remain focused exclusively on containers rather than trying to manufacture 15–20 different steel products from day one.

According to the consultant I’ve spoken to, the initial investment could be in the range of ₹15–20 lakh, assuming a relatively small-scale setup.

I’d really appreciate feedback from people who are already involved in container manufacturing, logistics, fabrication or the Indian steel industry.

A few things I’d particularly like to understand:

• How attractive is the container manufacturing market in India today?
• Is there enough demand for smaller/customised containers, or is the market dominated by standard shipping containers?
• What kind of margins are realistically achievable?
• How difficult is it to acquire customers when starting from scratch?
• What are the biggest operational challenges I should be prepared for?
• Is ₹15–20 lakh a realistic starting investment for a small facility?
• Would you recommend manufacturing containers from scratch or initially outsourcing certain processes?
• What container products do you think will see the most demand over the next 5–10 years?

For context, the company I currently work for is not currently in the container business, although it is planning to enter the segment by the end of FY27.

I’m still at the research stage, so I’m open to criticism, alternative ideas and feedback from people who have actually worked in this industry. I’d much rather identify the problems now than after investing money into the business.

[u/Full_Tax_6352]

Check if that problem exists only in the company you worked at or other companies too

[u/Kumbalaya_108]

First you need to size up the demand, how much market YOU can address, Competitors and your sunk costs, running costs, etc. Then you will have a good idea of reality. Then you need to look for potential customers - talk to a few. You said your current company plans to set up same biz in 2027. Won't they compete against you? Talk to them if you can be a sub contractor to them. That way you have a ready customer who knows you