Definition should include the following information from the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS):
- The manufacturing sector comprises establishments engaged in the mechanical, physical, or chemical transformation of materials, substances, or components into new products.
- Establishments in the manufacturing sector are typically plants, factories, or mills that use power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. However, the sector also includes businesses that transform materials into new products in the home setting as well as those who sell products made on the same premises from which they are sold.
- Manufacturing establishments may process materials or may contract with other establishments to process their materials for them.
Definition should also include the concept that information technology (IT) is interwoven throughout manufacturing processes.
Teacher Resource:
Manufacturing NAICS 31-33, Industries-at-a-Glance, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor (DOL)
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is manufacturing?
- What careers exist in the manufacturing industry?
- Why is manufacturing important to the economy?
- Where are manufacturing jobs most likely to exist?
- What are the benefits of successful manufacturing?
- How is manufacturing within a candy store different than manufacturing at a mill?
- Why is IT important to the manufacturing sector?