32312 - Support Activities for Printing
Navigating the complex landscape of government contracting and industry classification starts with understanding key NAICS codes. One such important code is NAICS 32312 - Support Activities for Printing. This category plays a crucial role in the printing and publishing ecosystem by providing essential services that help printing companies operate efficiently and produce high-quality printed materials.
What is NAICS Code 32312?
NAICS 32312 covers establishments primarily engaged in providing support services for printing operations. These support activities include processes like plate making, typesetting, layout design, and binding, which are vital to the entire printing production workflow.
Businesses classified under this code do not generally operate printing presses themselves but instead offer specialized services that enhance and facilitate printing companies’ ability to meet customer demands on time and at high quality.
Sector: Printing and Related Support Activities
NAICS 32312 falls under the broader Sector 323 - Printing and Related Support Activities. This sector encompasses a variety of establishments involved in printing and the ancillary support services that help complete printed products.
Typical Business Activities in NAICS 32312 Include:
-
Plate Making Services
Preparing printing plates used in different printing processes such as offset or flexographic printing. -
Typesetting and Layout Services
Arranging text and images for printed materials, ensuring proper design and readability. -
Binding and Finishing Services
Adding the final touches to printed works, such as folding, binding, laminating, and trimming.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 32312:
- Custom plate making companies for commercial printers
- Typesetting and copy preparation service providers
- Binding services specializing in saddle-stitching, perfect binding, or spiral binding
- Pre-press service bureaus supporting publishers and marketing firms
Size Standards for NAICS Code 32312
To determine eligibility for certain SBA programs or government contracts, understanding the size standards is crucial. For NAICS 32312, the Small Business Administration (SBA) defines the size standard as:
| NAICS Code | Title | Size Standard |
|---|---|---|
| 32312 | Support Activities for Printing | $16.5 million average annual receipts |
This means a business with average annual receipts up to $16.5 million is considered a small business under this NAICS classification.
NAICS Code 32312 - Support Activities for Printing | Code Details
| Attribute | Description |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 32312 |
| Title | Support Activities for Printing |
| Description | Provides services supporting printing operations including plate making, typesetting, binding, and finishing. |
| Sector | Printing and Related Support Activities |
| Industry Group | Printing and Related Support Activities Sector |
| Size Standard | $16.5 million in average annual receipts |
| Typical Activities | Plate making, typesetting & layout, binding services |
| Primary Customers | Printing companies, publishers, advertising agencies |
FAQs About NAICS 32312 - Support Activities for Printing
What kind of services are included in NAICS 32312?
This code includes plate making services, typesetting, layout preparation, and finishing and binding services that assist printing firms.
Does NAICS 32312 include actual printing?
No, this classification is reserved for support activities that aid printing operations, not for establishments running printing presses themselves.
What are common industries served by NAICS 32312 businesses?
Typical customers include commercial printers, publishers, advertising agencies, and marketing firms requiring specialized pre-press and finishing services.
How does the SBA size standard affect businesses under this NAICS code?
Businesses with annual receipts under $16.5 million qualify as small businesses, making them eligible for SBA contracting opportunities and other small business programs.
Can a company provide both printing and support activities under the same NAICS code?
Generally, companies select separate NAICS codes relevant to their primary activity. Printing operations fall under other codes (e.g., 32311), while support activities use 32312.
Conclusion
NAICS Code 32312 – Support Activities for Printing represents a specialized niche that supports the vital printing industry by providing essential pre-press and finishing services. Understanding this code is key for businesses looking to navigate government contracting, identify market opportunities, or classify their operations accurately. Whether you own a plate making service or a binding company, recognizing where you fit in the NAICS system can improve your competitive edge and growth potential in the printing sector.
Keywords: NAICS 32312, Support Activities for Printing, printing sector, plate making services, typesetting services, binding services, printing support activities, SBA size standards, printing industry classification
