3132 - Fabric Mills

The NAICS code 3132, titled Fabric Mills, plays a pivotal role in the manufacturing sector by representing establishments that produce fabrics used in a variety of industries, from fashion to industrial applications. Whether you're a government contractor, a textile entrepreneur, or simply interested in the fabric industry, understanding this NAICS classification is essential for identifying opportunities, compliance, and market insights.

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What is NAICS Code 3132? Definition and Scope

NAICS 3132 - Fabric Mills encompasses businesses primarily engaged in manufacturing fabric through processes such as weaving, knitting, or finishing yarns or fibers. These fabrics form the foundation for many products including apparel, home furnishings, and industrial textiles.

This NAICS code covers establishments involved in:

• Weaving yarns into fabric
• Knitting yarns into fabric
• Finishing processes such as dyeing, printing, and coating to enhance fabric properties

These processes result in a diverse range of fabric types including cotton, wool, synthetic, and blended fabrics.

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Sector and Typical Business Activities Covered by NAICS 3132

NAICS 3132 falls under the broader Manufacturing sector and includes various specialized fabric-producing businesses. These activities are essential for creating the raw materials used by apparel manufacturers, furniture makers, and industries requiring durable fabrics.

Typical business types or activities under this code include:

• Cotton Fabric Mills: Manufacture woven and knitted cotton fabrics primarily for clothing and home textiles.
• Wool Fabric Mills: Focus on processing wool fibers into fabric used for garments and upholstery.
• Synthetic Fabric Mills: Production of fabrics made from man-made fibers like polyester, nylon, and acrylic for apparel, furniture, and industrial use.

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Small Business Size Standards for NAICS Code 3132

To qualify as a small business under NAICS 3132, the size standards established by the Small Business Administration (SBA) generally include:

NAICS Code	Industry Title	Size Standard (Employees)
3132	Fabric Mills	500 employees

Businesses with 500 or fewer employees typically qualify as small businesses for federal contracting purposes under this code. Check the latest SBA guidelines as size standards may be updated.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 3132

Here are some real-world examples that illustrate the variety of companies classified under Fabric Mills:

• A textile manufacturer producing high-quality cotton fabrics for fashion brands.
• A woolen fabric mill supplying upholstery fabric to furniture companies.
• A synthetic fabric producer specializing in durable outdoor performance materials.

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NAICS Code 3132 - Fabric Mills Detailed Code Breakdown

NAICS Code	Title	Description	Sector	Size Standard (Employees)	Examples
313211	Broadwoven Fabric Mills	Manufacture broadwoven cotton, wool, or synthetic fabrics via weaving or knitting	Manufacturing	500	Cotton, wool, synthetic fabric mills
313212	Narrow Fabric Mills	Manufacture narrow fabrics such as ribbons, tapes, and webbings	Manufacturing	500	Ribbon manufacturers
313213	Nonwoven Fabric Mills	Produce nonwoven fabrics through bonding or felting fibers	Manufacturing	500	Industrial wipes, medical fabrics
313221	Silk Fabric Mills	Manufacture silk and silk blend fabrics	Manufacturing	500	Silk fabric producers

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS Code 3132 - Fabric Mills

Q1: What industries use the fabrics produced by NAICS 3132?
A: Fabrics are broadly used in apparel manufacturing, home furnishings (like upholstery and curtains), automotive textiles, industrial products (filters, conveyor belts), and healthcare.

Q2: Can knitted fabrics be included under NAICS 3132?
A: Yes, establishments producing fabrics by knitting yarns fall under this code along with weaving and finishing operations.

Q3: How can a business determine if it qualifies as small under NAICS 3132?
A: The SBA size standard for Fabric Mills is 500 employees. Businesses at or below this number are considered small for contracting and other federal programs.

Q4: Are synthetic fabrics part of NAICS 3132?
A: Absolutely. Synthetic and blended fabrics produced from materials like polyester or nylon are included under this classification.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 3132, Fabric Mills, is a fundamental classification within the manufacturing sector that covers the production of woven, knitted, and finished fabrics. Whether specializing in cotton, wool, or synthetic materials, businesses operating under this code provide essential textiles for a wide array of uses. Understanding the details, size standards, and examples within NAICS 3132 empowers businesses and contractors to navigate opportunities, compliance, and industry dynamics effectively.

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