Skip to main content

Improving Margins When a Company Manufactures Few Products

What is it that your company manufactures?

If you’re running a manufacturing company that produces just one or a few products, you may be wondering how to improve your results and increase your profitability.

While there are many factors that can contribute to success in the manufacturing industry, there are three key steps that can help any company improve their results: defining net income, using a contribution margin income statement, and calculating the break-even point after an increase in fixed cost.

First, let’s start with some basic questions regarding your manufacturing approach, the products the company manufactures.

What is it that the company manufactures?

When your company manufactures, which sector stands to benefit most?
How the company manufactures is important. What tools are currently in place to measure your performance and results?

Step 1: Definition of Net Income

Before you can improve your results, you need to know what you’re aiming for. Net income is the profit a company earns after all expenses have been deducted from its revenue. To calculate net income, you’ll need to subtract your total expenses from your total revenue. This will give you a clear picture of how much profit is being made from the products a company manufactures, and help you identify areas where you can improve your efficiency or cut costs.

One way to improve your net income is to focus on reducing your variable costs. These are costs that vary with the number of products you produce, such as the cost of raw materials, labor, and shipping. By finding ways to reduce these costs, based on the way a company manufactures, you can increase your profit margin and improve your bottom line.

Step 2: Contribution Margin Income

A contribution margin income statement is a valuable tool for any manufacturing company that produces just one or a few products. This statement shows how much revenue is left over after variable costs are subtracted from total revenue. This can help you identify your most profitable products and ensure that you’re pricing your products appropriately.

To create a contribution margin income statement, you’ll need to calculate your total revenue, variable costs, and contribution margin. Your contribution margin is the amount of revenue you have left over after variable costs are subtracted. This can help you identify which products are most profitable and where you should focus your efforts.

Step 3: Break-Even Point

Fixed costs are costs that do not vary with the number of products you produce, such as rent, salaries, and equipment. If you need to increase your fixed costs, you’ll need to sell more units to reach your break-even point. Your break-even point is the level of sales at which your revenue equals your total costs, including both fixed and variable costs.

To calculate your break-even point, you’ll need to know your total fixed costs, your contribution margin per unit, and your selling price per unit. By increasing your prices or finding ways to reduce your fixed costs, you can improve your break-even point and increase your profitability.

Tips for Success

To improve your results as a manufacturing company that produces just one or a few products, consider the following tips:

Focus on high-margin products: Use your contribution margin income statement to identify which products are most profitable and focus on promoting and selling those products.

Manage your expenses: To increase your net income, you’ll need to keep your expenses in check. Look for ways to reduce your variable costs and negotiate better deals with your suppliers.

Increase your prices: If you need to cover increased fixed costs on what the company manufacturers, consider raising your prices. However, be careful not to price yourself out of the market. You’ll need to find the right balance between price and demand.

Expand your distribution network: To increase your sales and reach your break-even point faster, consider expanding your distribution network. Look for new retailers or wholesalers to partner with or consider selling your products online.

Invest in marketing: Effective marketing can help you increase your revenue and reach new customers. Consider investing in social media advertising, influencer marketing, or other tactics to increase brand awareness and drive sales.

Conclusion
By streamlining your manufacturing processes, optimizing your costs, and focusing on your most profitable products, you can improve your results and increase your profitability as a manufacturing company that produces just one or a few products.

By using a contribution margin income statement and calculating your break-even point, you can make informed decisions about your pricing and distribution strategies. And by investing in marketing and expanding your distribution network, you can reach new customers and grow your business.

Remember, the how, what and for whom your company manufactures matters the most!
At the end of the day, being an efficient, reliable, innovative, and cost-effective manufacturing company requires expertise, customization and professionalism. With the right tools, strategies, and collaborations in place, you can empower your business to achieve success and thrive in today’s competitive market.

Your company manufactures!

So don’t be afraid to take action, optimize your processes, and enhance your product offerings. The IMA is here to help. Contact us today or anytime. The sky’s the limit when it comes to manufacturing success!