325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing
Introduction
Understanding government contracting and industry classifications is crucial for businesses operating in specialized manufacturing sectors. One such vital industry is NAICS code 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing, a key part of the manufacturing sector that plays an integral role in producing essential gases for medical, chemical, and various industrial applications. This blog post will dive deep into what this NAICS code entails, the types of businesses it covers, and important details for companies looking to qualify under this classification.
What is NAICS Code 325120?
The NAICS code 325120 corresponds to Industrial Gas Manufacturing. This industry classification includes establishments primarily engaged in the manufacturing of industrial gases such as oxygen, nitrogen, argon, hydrogen, and other specialty gases. These gases are critical components used in diverse sectors including healthcare, chemical processing, metal fabrication, and food packaging.
Core Activities Covered:
- Production of compressed, liquefied, and solid industrial gases.
- Manufacturing of specialty and fluorinated hydrocarbon gases.
- Recovery and separation of gases like helium from natural sources.
Sector Overview
NAICS 325120 falls under the Manufacturing sector, highlighting its role in the creation of raw materials essential to numerous industries. The operations are centered on the chemical transformation and production of industrial-grade gases, typically via air separation or chemical synthesis.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Oxygen production plants
- Nitrogen gas manufacturing
- Specialty gas production facilities
- Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) manufacturing
- Helium recovery from natural gas
These businesses serve sectors such as healthcare (medical oxygen), steel production (oxygen and nitrogen), electronics (high purity gases), and environmental technologies.
Size Standards for Eligibility
For small business determination, the size standard for NAICS code 325120 is typically 1,200 employees or fewer. This helps government agencies and prime contractors identify eligible small businesses within this industry for federal contracting opportunities.
Examples of Businesses Included in NAICS 325120
- Oxygen manufacturing companies supplying hospitals and industrial users.
- Nitrogen gas manufacturers providing gases for food preservation and chemical processing.
- Specialty gas providers supporting semiconductor fabrication and laboratory testing.
- Dry Ice manufacturers offering solid carbon dioxide for shipping and refrigeration industries.
Detailed Code Activities Table
| Activity Description | Included in NAICS 325120? |
|---|---|
| Acetylene manufacturing | Yes |
| Argon manufacturing | Yes |
| Biogases, industrial (compressed, liquefied, solid) | Yes |
| Carbon dioxide manufacturing | Yes |
| Chlorodifluoromethane manufacturing | Yes |
| Chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) gases manufacturing | Yes |
| Compressed and liquefied industrial gas manufacturing | Yes |
| Dichlorodifluoromethane manufacturing | Yes |
| Dry ice (solid carbon dioxide) manufacturing | Yes |
| Fluorinated hydrocarbon gases manufacturing | Yes |
| Fluorocarbon gases manufacturing | Yes |
| Gases, industrial (compressed, liquefied, solid) | Yes |
| Helium manufacturing | Yes |
| Helium recovery from natural gas | Yes |
| Hydrochlorofluorocarbon (HCFC) gases manufacturing | Yes |
| Hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) gases manufacturing | Yes |
| Hydrogen manufacturing | Yes |
| Ice, dry manufacturing | Yes |
| Industrial gases manufacturing | Yes |
| Liquid air manufacturing | Yes |
| Monochlorodifluoromethane manufacturing | Yes |
| Neon manufacturing | Yes |
| Nitrogen manufacturing | Yes |
| Nitrous oxide manufacturing | Yes |
| Oxygen manufacturing | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What applications use industrial gases manufactured under NAICS 325120?
Industrial gases are used extensively in healthcare (medical oxygen), chemical production, metal fabrication, electronics manufacturing, food processing, and environmental applications.
What is the importance of NAICS code 325120 for government contracting?
Identifying under NAICS 325120 enables companies to participate in federal procurement opportunities specific to industrial gas manufacturing, especially within small business programs.
Can a business involved in specialty gas manufacturing qualify under NAICS 325120?
Yes. Specialty gas manufacturing, including high-purity and custom gas blends, is covered under NAICS code 325120.
How many employees can a business have to qualify as a small business under NAICS 325120?
The size standard is 1,200 employees or fewer to be considered a small business in this manufacturing sector.
Are helium recovery operations included in this NAICS code?
Yes, helium recovery from natural gas sources is included under NAICS 325120.
Conclusion
NAICS code 325120 - Industrial Gas Manufacturing defines a specialized but essential manufacturing segment, supplying crucial gases for a wide range of industrial, medical, and scientific uses. Whether you operate an oxygen production plant, a nitrogen manufacturing facility, or specialize in producing specialty gases, understanding this classification can help position your business to leverage government and private sector contracting opportunities effectively.
For companies looking to excel in this manufacturing trade, aligning operations under NAICS 325120 ensures they meet industry standards and eligibility for targeted federal programs.
Keywords: NAICS 325120, Industrial Gas Manufacturing, Oxygen production, Nitrogen gas, Specialty gases, Industrial gases, Manufacturing sector, Small business size standard, Government contracting.
