thanks Brex - that's correct. you don't need a deposit to produce goods; it just takes longer. you do need to research the required technology and build the appropriate goods-production buildings, which (after you've done the research) will be available in your "build" menu, in the tab with the 3 little blocks of stone on it.
and there's a lot of very helpful information about things like this in the Guides section of the forum - i really really recommend getting familiar with it!
have fun