325920 - Explosives Manufacturing
The manufacturing of explosives plays a critical role in various industries, from mining to military applications. NAICS code 325920, titled Explosives Manufacturing, identifies establishments deeply involved in producing hazardous but essential explosive materials. Understanding this industry's scope, activities, and eligibility criteria can give businesses a clear edge in government contracting and industry analysis.
What is NAICS Code 325920?
NAICS code 325920 covers establishments primarily engaged in the manufacturing of explosives. This includes a wide variety of explosive materials such as dynamite, black powder, TNT, and specialized blasting accessories. These materials are vital to industries including:
- Mining operations
- Construction projects requiring blasting
- Defense and military sectors
The industry falls under the larger Manufacturing sector, indicating the production of chemical-based explosive products.
Sector and Typical Business Activities
Sector: Manufacturing
This industry is a niche within the manufacturing sector, focusing on highly specialized chemical processes to produce explosive substances. Due to the nature of the products, these businesses must operate under stringent safety and regulatory compliance.
Typical Business Activities Include:
- Dynamite manufacturing plants
- Black powder production facilities
- Military explosives manufacturers
- Production of blasting caps, detonators, fuses, and ignitors
- Chemical synthesis of nitroglycerin, TNT, and other explosive compounds
Size Standards for NAICS Code 325920
To be classified under this NAICS code for government contracting and compliance purposes, a business usually must have no more than 750 employees. This size standard helps government agencies and contractors determine eligibility for small business programs and set appropriate standards.
Examples of Businesses Under NAICS Code 325920
- Dynamite manufacturing plants specializing in explosive products for mining and heavy construction
- Black powder production facilities serving pyrotechnic and ammunition needs
- Military explosives manufacturers that produce TNT, detonators, and specialized ordnance materials
These businesses represent the core of the explosives manufacturing industry, fulfilling critical needs across multiple sectors.
Detailed NAICS Code 325920 Activities
| Activity / Product | Description |
|---|---|
| Amatols manufacturing | Explosive mixtures of ammonium nitrate and TNT |
| Azides explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacture of azide compounds used in explosives |
| Blasting accessories manufacturing | Production of caps, fuses, ignitors, and squibbs |
| Blasting powders manufacturing | Manufacturing traditional black powders and blasting powders |
| Caps, blasting and detonating manufacturing | Production of blasting caps and detonators |
| Cordite explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacture of cordite, a smokeless propellant |
| Detonating caps, cords, fuses, and primers manufacturing | Production of components used to initiate explosions |
| Detonators (except ammunition) manufacturing | Manufacturing detonators used in blasting and demolition |
| Dynamite manufacturing | Production of dynamite explosives |
| Explosives manufacturing | General explosives production |
| Gunpowder manufacturing | Manufacture of gunpowder for various uses |
| Mannitol hexanitrate explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacture of mannitol hexanitrate explosives |
| Mercury fulminate explosive materials manufacturing | Production of mercury fulminate used in primers |
| Nitrocellulose explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacturing nitrocellulose used in propellants |
| Nitroglycerin explosive materials manufacturing | Production of nitroglycerin for explosives |
| Nitrostarch explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacture of nitrostarch explosives |
| Pentolite explosive materials manufacturing | Production of pentolite explosives |
| Picric acid explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacture of picric acid used in explosives |
| Safety fuses, blasting manufacturing | Production of safety fuses used in controlled explosions |
| Styphnic acid explosive materials manufacturing | Manufacture of styphnic acid used in primers |
| Tetryl explosive materials manufacturing | Production of tetryl explosives |
| TNT (trinitrotoluene) manufacturing | Manufacture of TNT explosive materials |
| Trinitrotoluene (TNT) manufacturing | Same as above, full chemical name stated |
FAQs About NAICS Code 325920 - Explosives Manufacturing
What types of products are included in NAICS 325920?
This code includes explosives such as dynamite, black powder, TNT, blasting caps, detonators, and various other chemical explosives and associated blasting accessories.
What industries use explosives manufactured under this NAICS code?
Key users include mining, construction, quarries, demolition, and military defense sectors.
How many employees can a company have to qualify as a small business under this NAICS?
The size standard for NAICS code 325920 is 750 employees or fewer.
Is manufacturing detonators considered part of this industry?
Yes, manufacturing detonators (except ammunition) is classified under NAICS 325920.
Where can I find official information on NAICS codes?
The U.S. Census Bureau’s official NAICS website provides detailed descriptions and updates on all codes.
Conclusion
NAICS code 325920 – Explosives Manufacturing is a critical classification in government contracting and industry reporting. It captures the production of explosives and related materials essential to mining, construction, and military operations. Understanding the code’s scope, size standards, and typical business types helps organizations navigate compliance and procurement opportunities effectively.
By mastering the components and activities under NAICS 325920, businesses can position themselves strategically in this specialized manufacturing sector.
Keywords: NAICS code 325920, Explosives Manufacturing, dynamite manufacturing, blasting accessories, TNT production, manufacturing sector, government contracting, explosives industry, military explosives
