31311 - Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills

The textile industry plays a crucial role in the global economy, and at the heart of it lies NAICS code 31311 — Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills. If you’re involved in or researching textile manufacturing, understanding this classification helps identify businesses engaged in spinning fibers into yarns and threads. This article dives deep into everything you need to know about NAICS 31311, its sector, typical business activities, and eligibility size standards.

What is NAICS Code 31311?

NAICS 31311 specifically covers establishments primarily engaged in the spinning of fibers into yarns and threads. This includes both natural fibers like cotton and wool, as well as synthetic fibers. These mills form the foundation of the textile production chain by creating yarns and threads that are later woven or knitted into fabrics for apparel, upholstery, and many other applications.

Sector: Textile Mills

NAICS 31311 falls under the broader Textile Mills sector (NAICS 313), which encompasses all manufacturing processes related to textiles. Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills serve as essential suppliers to fabric mills and other downstream textile manufacturers.

Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 31311

Businesses operating under this NAICS code include:

• Cotton yarn mills — Spinning cotton fibers into various types of yarns.
• Wool yarn mills — Processing wool fibers to produce yarn suitable for knitting or weaving.
• Synthetic fiber yarn mills — Creating threads and yarns from synthetic materials like polyester or nylon.

These mills utilize both traditional and modern spinning techniques, supporting a wide range of textile applications from clothing and home textiles to industrial uses.

Size Standards for NAICS 31311 Eligibility

Understanding Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards is key for government contractors and businesses seeking federal opportunities.

• The size standard for NAICS code 31311 is typically 750 employees. Businesses with 750 or fewer employees are considered small and may qualify for small business programs and contracts.
• Size standards can vary by specific contract and agency, so always verify the latest SBA guidelines.

Examples of Typical Businesses in NAICS 31311

• ABC Cotton Yarn Mill LLC: Specializes in spinning cotton into fine yarns for apparel uses.
• WoolCraft Threads Inc.: Produces wool yarns for knitwear and specialty textile products.
• PolyTex Synthetic Yarns: Manufactures synthetic threads used in automotive and industrial textiles.

---

NAICS Code 31311 Details Table

Attribute	Description
NAICS Code	31311
Title	Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills
Sector	Textile Mills (NAICS 313)
Industry Description	Establishments engaged in spinning fibers into yarns and threads, including synthetic and natural fibers production.
Typical Business Types	Cotton yarn mills, Wool yarn mills, Synthetic fiber yarn mills
Size Standard	750 employees (small business eligibility)
Applications	Textile manufacturing, apparel, upholstery, industrial uses

---

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What products are produced under NAICS 31311?

Primarily, yarns and threads spun from natural fibers such as cotton and wool, as well as synthetic fibers like polyester or nylon.

Is NAICS 31311 limited to natural or synthetic fibers only?

No, it includes both synthetic and natural fiber production spinning into yarns and threads.

How does NAICS 31311 relate to Textile Mills (NAICS 313)?

It is a subcategory of Textile Mills, focusing specifically on fiber spinning to yarns and threads.

What size business qualifies as small under this NAICS code?

Businesses with 750 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses under SBA standards.

Can companies involved in dyeing yarn still be classified under NAICS 31311?

Typically, no. Dyeing and finishing have separate NAICS codes under Textile Mills.

---

Conclusion

Understanding NAICS code 31311 – Fiber, Yarn, and Thread Mills is vital for businesses, contractors, and suppliers within the textile industry. This classification covers the key initial stage of spinning fibers into usable yarns and threads, a critical step in textile manufacturing. With clear size standards and a variety of business types including cotton, wool, and synthetic yarn mills, NAICS 31311 continues to support a robust textile sector. Whether you’re exploring government contracting, market research, or industry analysis, mastering this NAICS code is essential for success in the fiber and yarn sector.

---

Keywords: NAICS 31311, Fiber Yarn and Thread Mills, Textile Mills, Cotton Yarn Mills, Wool Yarn Mills, Synthetic Fiber Yarns, Textile Industry, Small Business Size Standards, Textile Manufacturing