We introduce six business ideas which have helped entrepreneurs earn big. This is the second business idea in the series, the first one was on beginning a popcorn making unit.
Battery water
The Kerala government has paved the way for the development of small-scale industries by encouraging nano family enterprises. People who have returned from abroad or self-employed persons can start enterprises under the programme.
Various types of battery water is used in our daily lives, be in it UPS or inverters or vehicles. Lead acid batteries are in much use. Very few units in Kerala sell battery water to be filled in these batteries.
Battery water manufacturing could be started with very low initial costs. Anyone can be a battery water manufacturer with a little training. The product has a market even beyond the state borders. The only raw material required are water and packing materials. Cost of production is very low.
The product can be sold directly or through distributors. Battery water is high in demand in major workshops, service centres, auto parts sales centres, petrol pumps, battery service centres and inverter service agencies. Manufacturers can often expect to get half of the MRP.
Battery water is commonly packed in containers of 1 litre, 5 litres and 10 litres.
The main component of a battery water-making unit is a de-mineralising unit. This comprises cation and a tube of resin. The cation tube has to be washed in hydrochloric acid and anion in caustic soda before refitting the tube every week. The distilled water has to maintain a pH of 6.5-7.5. A chlorine test can ensure the quality. Small plants that manufacture 200 litres of battery water per hour are available in the market.
A venture can be started after obtaining licences from the Udyog Aadhar, Goods and Services Tax and the local self-government body.
“I was attracted to the business as it involved fewer formalities. I got in touch with the district industrial office and received ample support,” said Abdul Salam, who runs a battery water making unit in Kozhikode. He started the unit after returning from abroad.
(This story is the second from a series on easily doable business ideas, watch this space for the next one on starting an Oil press)
