11 best franchises if you are looking to get out of manufacturing

Is manufacturing still profitable?

Manufacturing is still profitable, but there have been a few hiccups. In the last quarter of 2024, the industry only contributed about 9.9% to the GDP when it racked up to 13.1% in 2005. The slowdown can be attributed to global policies and changes, from unpredictable exchange rates to imposed tariffs.

Franchises to consider when you’re looking to get out of manufacturing

It may be time to shift gears and assess new industries and companies. Check these suggestions and franchises if you are looking to get out of manufacturing. 

HomeWell Care Services

HomeWell Care Services is a key player if you want to enter the home and senior care industry. It currently has more than 70 franchisees in over 140 territories, assisting multiple business owners with achieving financial independence.

The home care industry is a human-centered sector that helps you change lives and support families with their loved ones. It’s also quite stable, with numerous older Americans requiring daily assistance. 

Features:

• On-site assistance and monthly operational calls
• Fully developed marketing materials
• Innovative technology and training courses

Vital Care Infusion Services

Vital Care Infusion Services is a network of locally owned and operated infusion pharmacy franchises. What began as providing at-home infusion therapy has evolved into alternate infusion sites to help chronic and acute patients.

What makes Vital Care Infusion Services attractive is how niche it is, with only very few infusion providers within this sector. As demand increases, it can be wise for business owners to invest in these ventures. 

Features:

• Hands-on assistance with contracting and billing
• Credentialing and projections
• High average gross revenue at $13,406,418 in 2023

Wingstop

Wingstop is a fast-food option that captivates customers with flavor. It first opened in 1994, expanding to more than 2,000 restaurants worldwide. 

There’s a low initial investment with Wingstop, and you need at least 1,200 to 2,000 square feet of space. In return, there’s an average unit volume of more than $1 million per square foot in the industry, and you can expect positive domestic sales growth. 

Features:

• Four-week in-person training program
• Real estate assistance for site selection
• Construction management and operations monitoring

Green Food Solutions

Green Food Solutions is ready to help entrepreneurs start an urban farming business, which is ideal for those wanting ventures with healthier alternatives. While it is based in Jersey City, the company is ready to help you grow your business and food even from the comfort of your home.

Green Food Solutions’ innovative and easy-to-use growing systems are what sets the company apart from other organic farming brands. The hydroponic towers are space-saving and require less water compared to regular farming on soil. 

Features:

• Training on having a commercial farming operation
• Connection with knowledgeable growers through the Farm Amenity service
• Free planning and design for commercial and community farms

Woodhouse

Woodhouse is one of the best franchises if you are looking to get out of manufacturing. This wellness brand understands how to provide a luxurious spa experience to its visitors, with more than 80 locations already operating.

Franchising with Woodhouse can be beneficial as it has a formula ready with its flawless design, indulgent treatments and calming ambience. It seeks franchisees who have a passion for improving people’s lives via self-care.

Features:

• Franchise model with diverse revenue streams
• Tools and assistance for local marketing 
• Resources for operations software

Anytime Fitness

Anytime Fitness is another viable health brand to franchise. There are over 5,200 gyms and centers worldwide, with customers enjoying their limitless club access and elevated fitness experience. 

Anytime Fitness has over 20 years of experience, making it a renowned name within this industry. Plus, it is also the top brand for multi-unit owners, which can attract those who want to invest and gain big from the get-go. 

Features:

• Best-in-class training for franchise owners
• Operational and marketing tools and systems for business management
• Franchise business coach and invitations to networking events and conferences

CARD$MART

CARD$MART brands itself as the leading value card and gift shop in North America. While there are many niches within the retail industry, this company cements itself as the first chain of its kind with a unique shopping experience for people.

CARD$MART has been thriving off of its 50% Off Every Card Every Day concept for more than 20 years since there’s almost always an occasion to celebrate or an emotion to express. You can also select other forms of merchandise to help drive up sales.

Features:

• Dynamic sales and marketing team
• Unique and successful concept
• Help when evaluating the best location

Dream Vacations

Dream Vacations is a unique company that helps you start your home-based travel agency. It has helped more than 2,000 owners grow their businesses. It is also on a mission to build its national brand awareness and increase its credibility.

Franchise fee discounts are available for U.S. veterans and their immediate families, ideal for those seeking a more low-cost investment. Training expenses are also waived for veteran business partners.

Features:

• 100% of your highest-paid commissions
• Home-based work
• Free or discounted rates for your own travel

Two Men and a Truck

Two Men and a Truck offers entrepreneurs a gateway into starting a business within the moving industry. It is one of the largest franchised moving companies with more than 40 years of experience, providing packing, storage and in-home moving services. 

Two Men and a Truck hit 91% franchisee satisfaction in 2023, with annual gross sales averaging about $2.8 million across its network. With increasing offerings and flexible pricing, franchisees can look forward to boosting their individual revenue. 

Features:

• Business plan template with planning and market assessment
• Marketing playbook for awareness advertising, reputation management and more
• Training and retraining of employees for professional development

Big O Tires

Big O Tires has been in the automotive industry since 1962 and is regarded as a trusted supplier of tires and other products. It also offers auto care services at over 460 locations across the nation to meet further automotive needs. 

The automotive industry has been quite lucrative, with Big O Tires estimating at least $2.86 million in sales per store. It’s also considered an essential service as Americans must keep their vehicles on the road as long as possible. 

Features:

• Marketing support and website management
• Customer retention management
• Advertising programs with vendor-funded rebates

NextHome

Real estate is another industry to explore after manufacturing, with NextHome as one of the main candidates. It has a growing network with more than 600 franchises, ensuring that business owners can enter and navigate the quickly evolving market. ‘

NextHome is passionate about helping entrepreneurs, but it also prioritizes the individuals and families who yearn for homeownership. Its Human Over Houses mindset offers a compassionate take on handling the buying and selling process. 

Features:

• Flexibility in agreements and monthly fees
• Centralized design center platform with MLS-enabled templates
• Full suite of technology and training

Mathnasium

Education-centered companies like Mathnasium are also worth franchising. With many students struggling with the subject and a constant wave of high schoolers preparing for university admissions, the tutoring company is posed for a stable stream of consumers. 

More than 1,100 math centers have already been established all over the globe. Mathnasium promises a thriving business model with its 20 years of experience to former educators and seasoned entrepreneurs alike. 

Features:

• Training and location selection assistance
• Networking with fellow Mathnasium franchisees
• Grand opening and franchising assistance

What to assess when leaving manufacturing

Manufacturing is a key industry, but it may not hold your interest forever. If you contemplate leaving, consider the following factors:

• Experience and interest: Is your experience connected to whatever industry you’re eyeing now? Do you have any interest in the products and services that can serve as a driving factor in seeing this business shift through?
• Financial stability: Franchising in another sector will allow you to start partially from scratch. It’s important to assess whether you have the financial means to support yourself during this transition. The capital to fund the franchising should also be sorted out.
• Lifestyle compatibility: Running a manufacturing business creates a lifestyle you become accustomed to. Consider whether it’s still sustainable to act and spend the same if you shift to a different industry. Some may require more hands-on experience and attention than others.
• Competition: With manufacturing, you have a general idea of what the competitive landscape looks like. Entering a new industry can put you in uncharted waters. Coordinate with your parent company on how to navigate it.

Conclusion

The manufacturing industry is cooling off. As a business owner, it’s important to explore other options to maintain your profit and keep your passion alive. Explore the various franchises available if you are looking to get out of manufacturing and see what fits you.