NAICS 333 - Machinery Manufacturing

Industries in the Machinery Manufacturing subsector create end products that apply mechanical force, for example, the application of gears and levers, to perform work. Some important processes for the manufacture of machinery are forging, stamping, bending, forming, and machining that are used to shape individual pieces of metal. Processes, such as welding and assembling are used to join separate parts together. Although these processes are similar to those used in metal fabricating establishments, machinery manufacturing is different because it typically employs multiple metal forming processes in manufacturing the various parts of the machine. Moreover, complex assembly operations are an inherent part of the production process.

In general, design considerations are very important in machinery production. Establishments specialize in making machinery designed for particular applications. Thus, design is considered to be part of the production process for the purpose of implementing NAICS. The NAICS structure reflects this by defining industries and industry groups that make machinery for different applications. A broad distinction exists between machinery that is generally used in a variety of industrial applications (i.e., general purpose machinery) and machinery that is designed to be used in a particular industry (i.e., special purpose machinery). Three industry groups consist of special purpose machinery--Agriculture, Construction, and Mining Machinery Manufacturing; Industrial Machinery Manufacturing; and Commercial and Service Industry Machinery Manufacturing. The other industry groups make general purpose machinery: Ventilation, Heating, Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing; Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing; Engine, Turbine, and Power Transmission Equipment Manufacturing; and Other General Purpose Machinery Manufacturing.

• Includes manufacturing of machinery applying mechanical force for various work functions.
• Encompasses both general purpose and special purpose machinery for industries like agriculture and construction.
• Involves multiple metal forming and assembly processes such as forging, stamping, welding, and machining.
• Design and customization are integral parts of the production process to meet specific application needs.
• Government contracts often serve sectors including defense, infrastructure, agriculture, and commercial services.
• Small and large businesses participate, with opportunities for specialized and complex machinery manufacturing.

• Forging and stamping metal parts for machinery components.
• Machining and forming individual metal pieces.
• Welding and assembling machinery parts into functional units.
• Designing machinery tailored to specific industrial applications.
• Manufacturing general purpose industrial machinery.
• Producing specialized agricultural, mining, and construction machinery.
• Testing and quality assurance of manufactured machinery.
• Providing maintenance and lifecycle support contracts for machinery.

• Heavy machinery manufacturers
• Metal fabrication shops with assembly capabilities
• Precision machining and tooling businesses
• Specialized agricultural and construction equipment producers
• Industrial equipment design and engineering firms
• Small and medium-sized enterprises in manufacturing