331315 - Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing
Introduction
When it comes to the production of aluminum products, NAICS code 331315 plays a crucial role in the manufacturing landscape. This classification specifically refers to establishments engaged in producing aluminum sheets, plates, and foils—key materials widely used across packaging, construction, and transportation industries. Understanding the details and scope of NAICS code 331315 is essential for businesses, contractors, and stakeholders involved in the aluminum manufacturing sector.
What is NAICS Code 331315?
NAICS Code 331315 is designated for the Aluminum Sheet, Plate, and Foil Manufacturing industry. This industry includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing aluminum sheets, plates, and foils through various methods such as rolling, casting, or integrated secondary smelting.
These aluminum products manufactured under NAICS 331315 serve critical applications in diverse sectors, including:
- Packaging (e.g., aluminum foil wraps)
- Construction materials (sheet metal for building envelopes)
- Transportation components (lightweight aluminum plates for vehicles and aircraft)
Sector and Typical Business Activities
NAICS 331315 falls under the broader Manufacturing sector, specifically focused on metal and aluminum product fabrication.
Typical business activities under this code include:
- Aluminum sheet rolling mills
- Aluminum foil production plants
- Aluminum plate manufacturing facilities
- Integrated smelting and continuous casting operations
- Flat rolling and welding of aluminum tubes
These businesses specialize in converting raw and purchased aluminum into usable sheets, plates, foils, and welded tubes for downstream industrial applications.
Size Standards and Eligibility
For federal contracting and small business status designation, NAICS 331315 has a size standard of:
- 1,400 employees
This means that businesses with 1,400 employees or fewer are classified as small businesses under this NAICS code, which could qualify them for small business federal contracting programs and preferences.
Examples of Businesses in NAICS 331315
Here are some typical examples of companies and facilities categorized under NAICS 331315:
- Specialized aluminum sheet rolling mills supplying automotive parts manufacturers
- Aluminum foil plants producing packaging materials for food products
- Manufacturing facilities producing aluminum plates for aerospace and defense contractors
Many of these companies integrate secondary smelting processes with rolling and continuous casting to enhance product quality and meet specific industrial standards.
Detailed Code Descriptions Table
| Aluminum Product Type | Manufacturing Process |
|---|---|
| Aluminum foil made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Rolling flat sheets from purchased aluminum stock |
| Aluminum foil made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Producing foil through smelting combined with rolling |
| Aluminum plate made by continuous casting purchased aluminum | Casting aluminum continuously to form plates |
| Aluminum plate made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Flat rolling aluminum plates from purchased metal |
| Aluminum plate made in integrated secondary smelting and continuous casting mills | Plates produced via secondary smelting and casting |
| Aluminum plate made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Plates produced by smelting followed by rolling |
| Aluminum sheet made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Sheets created by flat rolling purchased aluminum |
| Aluminum sheet made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Sheets made with smelting and rolling processes |
| Aluminum welded tube made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Welded tubes produced by rolling purchased aluminum |
| Aluminum welded tube made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Welded tubes produced using smelting and rolling |
| Foil, aluminum, made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Aluminum foil from flat rolling of purchased aluminum |
| Foil, aluminum, made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Foil produced in mills combining smelting and rolling |
| Plate, aluminum, made by continuous casting purchased aluminum | Plates formed by continuous casting of purchased aluminum |
| Plate, aluminum, made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Aluminum plates made by rolling purchased aluminium |
| Plate, aluminum, made in integrated secondary smelting and continuous casting mills | Plates made by smelting and casting combined process |
| Plate, aluminum, made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Plates produced through smelting and rolling |
| Sheet, aluminum, made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Aluminum sheets made by flat rolling purchased stock |
| Sheet, aluminum, made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Sheets made by integrated smelting and rolling |
| Tube, welded, aluminum, made by flat rolling purchased aluminum | Welded aluminum tubes created by flat rolling |
| Tube, welded, aluminum, made in integrated secondary smelting and flat rolling mills | Welded tubes produced with integrated smelting |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: What types of products fall under NAICS code 331315?
A1: This code covers aluminum sheets, plates, foils, and welded tubes manufactured by processes such as rolling, casting, and secondary smelting.
Q2: What industries use products made under NAICS 331315?
A2: Key industries include packaging, construction, automotive, aerospace, and transportation sectors.
Q3: What is the employee size standard for NAICS 331315?
A3: The size standard is 1,400 employees; businesses with this number or fewer qualify as small businesses for contracting.
Q4: Are companies under NAICS 331315 involved in raw aluminum production?
A4: No, this industry primarily focuses on manufacturing finished aluminum products from purchased aluminum, often involving secondary smelting but not primary aluminum smelting.
Q5: How does integrated secondary smelting affect manufacturing under this code?
A5: Integrated secondary smelting allows manufacturers to refine and recycle aluminum within the same facility before rolling or casting, improving efficiency and product quality.
Conclusion
NAICS code 331315 defines a vital segment of the aluminum manufacturing industry focused on producing sheets, plates, and foils through diverse processing methods. Whether you are a contractor, supplier, or business owner, understanding this NAICS code's scope, processes, and size standards can unlock opportunities in federal contracting and industry partnerships. With applications spanning packaging to aerospace, aluminum manufacturers under NAICS 331315 continue to shape multiple facets of the modern economy.
Keywords: NAICS code 331315, Aluminum Sheet Manufacturing, Aluminum Plate Manufacturing, Aluminum Foil Production, Aluminum Rolling Mills, Aluminum Manufacturing Sector, Small Business Size Standards, Aluminum Tubes
