311221 - Wet Corn Milling and Starch Manufacturing
Introduction
NAICS code 311221, titled Wet Corn Milling and Starch Manufacturing, represents a vital segment of the U.S. manufacturing sector. This industry plays a crucial role in transforming raw corn into a variety of essential products used across food, industrial, and biofuel applications. Whether you're a contractor, supplier, or entrepreneur targeting government or private sector opportunities, understanding this NAICS code is key to navigating this specialized market.
What is NAICS Code 311221?
NAICS 311221 covers establishments primarily engaged in the wet milling of corn to produce starch, glucose syrup, corn oil, and other corn-derived products. This complex process involves steeping whole corn kernels, grinding them, and then separating their components to extract valuable ingredients. These products serve diverse industries, including food manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy.
Sector Focus: Manufacturing
This NAICS code falls under the Manufacturing sector, which includes industries engaged in the physical or chemical transformation of materials into new products. Wet corn milling and starch manufacturing is a specialized branch focused on agricultural raw materials.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 311221
Businesses classified under NAICS 311221 often operate facilities such as:
- Corn starch production plants
- Glucose syrup manufacturing facilities
- Corn oil extraction plants
These businesses are involved in the production of various corn-derived products used both as ingredients and standalone products.
Size Standards and Eligibility
The SBA size standard for NAICS code 311221 is typically based on number of employees, where businesses with up to 1,300 employees are generally considered small entities eligible for certain government programs and contracts. This threshold helps define eligibility for small business set-asides and other government contracting advantages.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 311221
- Cargill Corn Milling Division â Specializes in corn oil and starch manufacturing.
- Archer Daniels Midland (ADM) â Extensive wet corn milling operations producing HFCS and starch.
- Ingredion Incorporated â Produces starches and sweeteners derived from corn.
Detailed Code Activities Table
| Activity Description | Included in NAICS 311221? |
|---|---|
| Corn dextrin manufacturing | Yes |
| Corn gluten feed manufacturing | Yes |
| Corn gluten meal manufacturing | Yes |
| Corn oil cake and meal manufacturing | Yes |
| Corn oil mills | Yes |
| Corn oil, crude and refined, made by wet milling corn | Yes |
| Corn starch manufacturing | Yes |
| Corn sweeteners (e.g., dextrose, fructose, glucose) | Yes |
| Crude corn oil manufacturing | Yes |
| Dextrin made by wet milling corn | Yes |
| Gluten feed, flour, and meal, made by wet milling corn | Yes |
| Gluten manufacturing | Yes |
| HFCS (high fructose corn syrup) manufacturing | Yes |
| High fructose corn syrup (HFCS) manufacturing | Yes |
| Maltodextrins manufacturing | Yes |
| Margarine and other corn oils made by wet milling corn | Yes |
| Oil, corn crude and refined, made by wet milling corn | Yes |
| Potato starches manufacturing | Included (related vegetable starch) |
| Rice starches manufacturing | Included (related vegetable starch) |
| Root starches manufacturing | Included (related vegetable starch) |
| Starches (except laundry) manufacturing | Yes |
| Steepwater concentrate manufacturing | Yes |
| Sugar made by wet milling corn | Yes |
| Syrup, corn, made by wet milling | Yes |
| Table oil, corn, made by wet milling | Yes |
| Tapioca manufacturing | Included (related vegetable starch) |
| Vegetable starches manufacturing | Included |
| Wet milling corn and other vegetables | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kinds of products are produced under NAICS 311221?
The industry produces products such as corn starch, glucose syrup, corn oil (both crude and refined), high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), dextrins, and various other corn-derived starches and sweeteners.
What manufacturing process is typical for NAICS 311221?
The wet milling processâwhich entails soaking corn kernels (steeping), grinding, and separating components like starch, gluten, and fiberâis fundamental to this industry.
Which industries use products manufactured by this NAICS code?
Corn-derived starches and sweeteners are widely used in food and beverage production, pharmaceuticals, textiles, paper manufacturing, and biofuels.
What is the importance of wet corn milling in the manufacturing sector?
It adds value to raw corn by producing versatile ingredients essential for industrial manufacturing and consumer products, thus supporting the agricultural and manufacturing supply chains.
What is the employee size standard for NAICS 311221?
Businesses with up to 1,300 employees are typically considered small businesses within this classification, depending on specific government programs.
Conclusion
NAICS code 311221, Wet Corn Milling and Starch Manufacturing, represents a highly specialized and crucial sector within manufacturing. From wet milling corn to producing diverse products like starches, sweeteners, and oils, businesses in this domain are critical contributors to the supply chain for food, industrial, and biofuel markets. Whether you're entering this sector or seeking contract opportunities, familiarity with this NAICS code informs strategic business decisions and eligibility considerations.
Keywords: NAICS 311221, Wet Corn Milling, Starch Manufacturing, Corn Starch Production, Glucose Syrup Manufacturing, Corn Oil Extraction, High Fructose Corn Syrup, Manufacturing Sector, SBA Small Business Size Standard, Corn-Derived Products.
