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 often described as plants, factories, or mills and characteristically use power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. However, establishments that transform materials or substances into new products by hand or in the worker's home and those engaged in selling to the general public products made on the same premises from which they are sold, such as bakeries, candy stores, and custom tailors, may also be included in this sector.
- Manufacturing establishments may process materials or may contract with other establishments to process their materials for them. Both types of establishments are included in manufacturing.
Definition should also include the concept that information technology (IT) is interwoven throughout manufacturing processes.
Teacher Resource:
Process/Skill Questions:
- What is manufacturing?
- What are careers 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?