Matchsticks Manufacture

Matchsticks are a very handy tool used in starting a fire. They are used in the kitchen to light ovens, kerosene stoves and cookers.

Other application involves starting a fireplace, industrial burners, camp fire or to light candles. Matchsticks are made from plastic material, wood or cardboard strips. 

The lighting mechanism at the end is usually an inflammable substance that reacts to force or friction. The structure of the device starts with a thin stick and a solidified deposit of inflammable substance.

Heat is generated on contact of the solid mass which results in the flame. The subsistence of the flame is due to the presence of atmospheric air. There are two types of safety matches, strike anywhere matchsticks and safety matchsticks.

 The business is done both large scale and small scale depending on finance, business structure and purpose. Matches manufacturer needs to maintain a high level of safety protocols and follow government guidelines.

This is because of the inflatable nature of the product and raw materials. Matchsticks are in high demand and consumption outweighs production in many countries.

Although the product faces stiff competition from hand lighters they are still desirable. The huge demand equates to high profit potential for enterprising investors.

The product is packaged in small boxes for better storage and handling. To start your matchstick manufacture business you need moderate funding, good location, quality equipment and permits.

Brief History on Matches

The first friction matchstick was invented in England by John Walker. The product was flawed and difficult to use until a Frenchman Charles Sauria invented the strike anywhere match.

However the product caused several unintended fires and destruction. The inflammable substance he used was unstable and highly combustible The match making process was also hazardous with many serious health complications during the manufacturing process.

By 1855-1888 scientist’s discovered a nontoxic, less reactive phosphorous. The substance is used to produce modern day safety matches. The origin of the match box could be traced far back as 1894.

Here are a few business ideas on how to start a matchstick manufacturing business.

Matchstick Manufacture

Write a matchstick manufacture business plan. The plan should accommodate funding, raw materials, type of product and quality control. Things to consider in your business plan are your goal, financial requirements and marketing.

Funding the Enterprise

You require huge funds to purchase machinery, pay staff wages and rent a factory. Apply for bank loan from bank of industry or commercial banks in your area.

You could seek a core investor or try target savings. Other funding sources are through friends and family. Loans require collateral and guarantors including seed money.

Certification and Permits

There are a few legal compliances before starting your matchstick manufacture company. You need legal permit to establish the plant including a trade license.

Safety is off primary importance so you need to put in place many safety precautions. Register your matchstick enterprise as a limited liability company and fill tax requirements. Find out the permits and certifications you need in your country.

Locating the Matchstick Company

There are strict zoning formulas for establishing a matchstick factory. Find out the best locations by visiting your local government authority. 

An ideal location is in an industrial area and close to fire station. Other locations are away from residential areas and closeness to source of raw materials.

Raw Materials

The primary material used in making matches is wood. Not all wood are suitable for the production of match sticks.

Good wood should be rigid, porous, absorbent and straight grained. Ideal wood for matchstick production are aspen and pine.

Other raw materials needed for the product are ammonium phosphate, paraffin wax and potassium. More elements found in a matchstick are dye, powdered glass, sulfur, animal glue and filter. The match box is made from cardboard.

A List of Raw Materials used to Produce Match

• Cardboard
• Animal Glue
• Inner Filter
• Powdered Glass
• Dye
• Potassium
• Paraffin Wax
• Ammonium Phosphate
• Sulfur

Machinery use in making Matches

You can divide the machinery into match making machinery, box making machinery, splint making machinery, packaging and handling machinery. Purchase a debarking machine, peeler, veneer, chopper, dryer. Others are blower, storage area box making equipment and polishing machine.

A List of Match Production Machinery

• Box closing machinery
• Box filling machinery
• High speed dipping equipment
• Splint veneer
• Peeling
• Splint chopping
• Splint making
• Splint spray
• Packaging machinery
• Head composition machinery

The Manufacturing Process

Stripped log is cut, peeled into sheet of wood. The veneer sheet is chopped into matchsticks and process with dilute ammonium phosphate.

The matchstick are then dried, polished cleaned using crystallized chemicals. To form the head the stick are dumped into feed hoppers then dipped in hot paraffin wax.

Once dried the sticks are immersed in liquid solution. Then another solution is applied to the tip of the match. The matchsticks are then slow dried for better functioning when struck. A unit manufactures the box before filling and packaging.

The matchstick manufacturer must maintain strict quality control during the production process. Using a semi-automated or automated plant ensures proper measurement of ingredients that goes into the manufacturing process.

Marketing the Product

The only difference between match box companies is box branding. Make sure you manufacture high quality products that meet standard requirements.

Sell your product to wholesalers or retailers in your area. Other outlets are supermarkets, departmental stores and grocery stores.