32512 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing
Industrial gases are critical to a wide array of sectors, from healthcare and food processing to manufacturing and energy. NAICS Code 32512, titled Industrial Gas Manufacturing, is a vital classification that encompasses companies producing these essential gases. Understanding this NAICS code is important for businesses, contractors, and government agencies working with or within this industry.
What is NAICS Code 32512 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing?
NAICS Code 32512 pertains to the manufacturing of industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, and other specialty gases. These gases are produced primarily using methods like air separation and chemical synthesis, tailored for various industrial uses including welding, medical applications, food packaging, and electronics manufacturing.
Sector: Manufacturing
This code falls within the Manufacturing sector, reflecting the production-oriented nature of these business activities. Industrial gas manufacturing companies focus on producing and distributing gases either in bulk or specialty quantities, often supplying to other manufacturers, healthcare providers, and industrial clients.
Size Standards and Eligibility
For businesses classified under NAICS code 32512, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) size standards typically define a "small" business as one with 1,000 employees or less. Size standards may vary depending on specific government procurement requirements or contract types, so it's advisable to check current SBA guidelines when considering eligibility for federal contracts.
Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 32512
- Oxygen Production Plants: Facilities that separate oxygen from air for industrial and medical uses.
- Nitrogen Gas Manufacturers: Companies producing nitrogen through air separation or chemical methods.
- Specialty Gas Suppliers: Firms delivering rare gases like argon, helium, carbon dioxide, and hydrogen tailored for niche industries such as electronics or laboratories.
- Hydrogen Gas Production: Manufacturing and supplying hydrogen for energy and industrial applications.
- Gas Blending and Packaging: Mixing and packaging gases in specific concentrations or cylinder sizes.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 32512
- Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
- Praxair, Inc.
- Linde plc
- Messer Group GmbH
- Air Liquide S.A.
These companies exemplify the kinds of organizations operating under this NAICS classification, supplying essential gases globally.
NAICS Code 32512: Code Details Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| NAICS Code | 32512 |
| Title | Industrial Gas Manufacturing |
| Sector | Manufacturing |
| Primary Activities | Production of industrial gases like oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, and specialty gases through air separation and chemical synthesis |
| Typical Business Types | Oxygen plants, nitrogen manufacturers, specialty gas suppliers, hydrogen producers |
| Size Standard | 1,000 employees or less (SBA) |
| Applications | Medical, welding, chemical processing, electronics manufacturing, food packaging, energy |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About NAICS Code 32512
What industries rely on industrial gases produced under NAICS 32512?
Industries such as healthcare, metal fabrication, food and beverage processing, electronics manufacturing, and energy heavily rely on industrial gases for processes like welding, sterilization, chemical synthesis, and more.
How are industrial gases produced?
Industrial gases are predominantly produced through air separation (cryogenic distillation) for gases like oxygen and nitrogen, or chemical synthesis for gases such as hydrogen.
What size qualifies a business as small under this NAICS code?
Typically, a business with up to 1,000 employees qualifies as small, but it's essential to verify with the SBA's current size standards particularly for government contracting.
Can small businesses compete for government contracts related to industrial gas manufacturing?
Yes, small businesses meeting the SBA size standards for NAICS 32512 can compete for government contracts, often benefiting from set-asides intended to support small business participation.
Understanding NAICS code 32512 is essential for manufacturers, suppliers, and government contractors working with industrial gases. This knowledge helps optimize business opportunities, comply with regulations, and recognize the critical role these gases play in diverse applications around the world.
