Detergent Powder Manufacturing


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Investors interested in starting a detergent making business need to understand the manufacturing process. The powder is a popular brand of washing soap used for cloths, hand wash and kitchen utensils.
The detergent is effective in cleaning dirty surfaces and has many industrial and home applications. The consumer based product is highly competitive and profitable.
Small business owners could start small and slowly increase capacity as demand increases. Here are a few ideas on how to start a detergent manufacturing business.
Starting a Detergent Powder Manufacturing Business
Before starting a detergent manufacturing business you need a clear description of your product. Conduct a marketing study on plant capacity, utilities and raw materials.
Other considerations are equipment, auxiliary materials, training and manpower. To succeed conduct a full financial analysis that covers total initial investment, production cost, financial evaluation including economic and social benefits.
Write a Detergent Powder Manufacturing Business Plan
Startup investors need to write a business plan and carry out feasibility study. The business plan should have a mission statement, budgeting and target market.
Focus on cost of equipment, management structure, product, plant capacity and marketing strategy. Get a professional to write the plan or hire a qualified freelancer. A good marketing strategy is essential to the success of your enterprise.
Product Description
Detergents are suitable for washing cloths, hands, utensils and dishes. The powder is soluble in water and has compounds identical to soap.
The powder is a mixture of surfactants used for cleaning purposes. The part hydrophilic polar and non polar compound provides the proficiency of the reactive agents in the detergent.
The product is active against dirt, grease and oil. Detergents are generally categorized into soda products, light detergents, soap powders and heavy duty detergents.
Plant Capacity
Determining the plant capacity provides a template for the manufacturer. If you have a three shift eight hour daily schedule your plant could produce 1,000 tons of detergent powder in one year. The efficiency of the production system gradually increases with time.
Sourcing Raw Materials
There are a few raw materials that go into the manufacturing of detergents. Some important ingredients are sodium sulphate, caustic soda and sodium silicate.
Others are sodium tri polyphosphate and alkyl benzene sulfonates. The manufacturer needs to find credible sources of raw material in your locality.
Raw materials consume about 60% of working capital. Other raw materials are auxiliary materials used in the production process including packaging.
A List of Raw Material used to Manufacture Detergents
Sodium sulphate
Caustic soda
Sodium silicate
Alkyl benzene sulphonate
Sodium tri polyphosphate
Polythene bags used for packaging
Pricing
The business of manufacturing detergents is highly profitable. However there is stiff competition from established brands.
You need to price your product accordingly taking into consideration production cost, labor and cost of raw materials. Other things that impact on pricing are marketing cost and packaging, import duty. 
The cost of utility such as electricity, diesel for generators and water affects the cost of production.
A list of Utility
Water
Electricity
Diesel
Oil
Machinery and Equipment
An average detergent powder manufacturing plant needs the following equipment. Purchase mixing vessels, pumps, high pressure tanks, storage tanks, furnace and blowers.
You need cyclone, conveyors sieve, raw material tanks, spray dryer and perfumer. Others are packaging machine, baggies including waste disposal and anti pollution unit.
List of Machines and Equipment
Packaging machine
Perfumer
Conveyors
Tanks
High pressure tanks
Blowers
Spry dryers
Cyclone
Furnace
Pumps
Sieve
Mixing vessel
Production Process
The production process starts from receiving the raw materials, mixing, drying and packaging. Solid phosphates, additives, sodium silicate and linear alkyl benzene paste are mixed in a slurry tank.
The properly blended mixture passes through different filters. The mixture is dry sprayed up to 400C then goes through sieving. The detergent is then cooled and more additives are added before packaging.
Flow Chart for Detergent Manufacture
Raw materials – mixing unit- drying unit – cooling – packaging
Locating the Factory
The factory needs to comply with state and government zoning requirements. Lease property suitable for your equipment, administrative building and ample parking.
Locate the business in an industrial zone or central marketing district. Make sure there is easy access to the factory though land transportation.
Hire Staff
An average detergent production plant has a plant manager, accountant, purchase officer, clerk and quality control manager. They also hire technical, administrative and commercial managers including chemist and mechanics.
 Hire machine operators and casual labor. Other staffs are cleaners, security guards, electrician and drivers.
Annual Production Cost
Base your annual production cost on raw materials, utilities, direct labor and maintenance. Other parameters are lease cost, overheads, marketing and distribution.
All the cost considerations should arrive at a workable operational cost. To arrive at a total production costs include cost of finance and depreciation.
Funding
Funding is required for fixed and working capital. Funds are used for land lease, civil work, machinery and equipment.
Others are office equipment, pre and post operational costs, utilities and staff wages. You could approach financial institutions in your area for bank loans. Provide collateral, a business plan and guarantors.
Marketing the Detergent Powder
Every product is guided by supply and demand. Make sure your product is high quality and has competitive pricing.
Apply different marketing strategies such as traditional printing and television advertisement. Create a website for your business and employ commission based sales representatives.

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