Nylon production business is a very good business anybody could actually start up in Nigeria and start making some real profits. The business is quite profitable.
For one thing, the demand for nylon is on the high side each day in Nigeria due to the many uses of nylon such as bagging, shopping, packaging, etc.
Types of Polythene Bags
Basically, there are two (2) main types of polythene nylon bags needed in the Nigerian market:
- High Density:
The high density polythene nylon bags are the commonly used ones due to their numerous qualities such as strength, versatility, and durability. These polythene nylon bags are commonly used as garbage bags, for packaging, in pharmaceuticals, as disposables, etc. - Low Density:
The low density polythene nylon bags are mainly used for clothes packaging, food wrapping, bread packaging, water sealing, etc.
The process of nylon production begins with the raw materials (B.A.S.F or Escorene or Dow) being poured first into the heating and melting unit of the extruder machine. It is then blown under pressure through a medium after it has first been transformed into the liquid state.
Thereafter, it is cooled, producing polythene sheets which later become converted to bales ready for cutting and sealing.
There are a number of things you must first consider before starting nylon production in Nigeria.
There are some important things you should pay attention toaside the usual requirements of registering your business and getting the appropriate licenses.
- Get Experience
I would recommend that before you venture into the nylon production business, you take out time to learn everything you can about the business. It would not hurt if you take out some time to work in a nylon production plant for some period to gain some useful experience and develop yourself. Other ways you could develop yourself include attending seminars and trade workshops.
Also, you could source for the advice of people who are in the nylon production business, especially those in far off areas, since the people in your area will not easily give out information about the business to a potential competitor. Affording yourself experience in the business will ensure you test the waters before diving in.
- Source for Capital
You will need capital to cover expenses such as land purchase or lease, equipment, labor, electricity and generator, and other additional expenses. For the equipment, you will require as much as N16 million for the machines if you want to get them imported, or as much as N8 million if you should source for them locally. To start this business, you will need to have a budget of N10 million – N30 million. These figures are not exact. How much you will really require to set-up this business will be determined by the location and scale of operation.
The amount of capital for your nylon production business will depend on the size or scale and scope of the operation. You will have to determine how you intend to cover your start-up expenses. Unless you have a lot of money to carve out from your pockets, you may want to consider obtaining loans to generate the start-up capital.
- Secure a good Land
You will have to secure a good land to accommodate your nylon production plant. If possible, it is important to site the location of your nylon production plant close to your source of raw materials and market so as to cut back on transportation expenses. However, you will need a space big enough to contain all the machines for the nylon production.
- Hire Employees
You will need to hire employees for the whole nylon production process. First, it is important you get the services of good engineers to help with the installation of the machines. You will also need machine operators, truck drivers, product managers, sales executives, etc. You may want to try and recruit very experienced hands into your nylon production business.
- Carryout a Market Survey
Before you even venture into the nylon production business, it is pertinent you carry out a thorough market survey to determine who your target market is. The market survey must be done within the area you decide to site your nylon production business.
In most places in Nigeria, you will likely have the following groups make up the target market for nylon production businesses:
- Supermarkets
- Bakeries
- Traders
- Eateries and restaurants
- Water production companies
- Fashion stores
- Laundry
- Pharmacies
- Schools
- Hospitals
Raw Materials:
The raw materials needed for nylon production are all by-products of petroleum. They include:
- Escorene
- Dow
- A.S.F
- Master Berg
The Master Berg is the colouring agent for producing different colors of nylons.
The Dow or B.A.S.F or Escorene is what is poured into the heating unit of the extruder machine.
For every 7 bales of polyethylene sheets produced with 2 bags of 25kg of Dow or Escorene and 8kg of Master Berg, you should get about 1,000 pieces of 50 x 40 x 0.45 shopping bags.
Equipment/Machines needed:
- Extruder Blowing Machine:
This machine is responsible for producing the nylons by converting the raw materials required for the process first into liquid, then to polythene sheets, and which can then be moulded into the desired density and colour. The extruder blowing machine (foreign) will cost you about N4 million – N5 million, while the local one could be gotten for around N1 million – N5 million.
- Printing Machine:
This machine is for creating designs on the nylon sheets. The high definition of this machine will cost you around N1.5 million – N2.5 million, while the low definition will cost you around N1.5 million.
- Punching Machine:
This machine particularly punches holes of various shapes which will serve as handles. The punching machine (foreign hydraulic) will cost you around N1 million, while the local one will cost around N500, 000 – N800, 000.
- Nylon Cutting Machine:
This machine is responsible for cutting the polythene into the various sizes which are needed. The nylon cutting machine (foreign double checker machine) should cost you around N3 million or more, while the local one would cost you about N1 million or more.