33351 - Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing

In the dynamic world of manufacturing, NAICS code 33351 stands out as a critical classification for businesses involved in crafting the essential tools that shape modern industry. Known as Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing, this sector plays a foundational role in producing machines that cut, form, and shape metal components, vital to countless manufacturing processes worldwide.

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What is NAICS Code 33351?

NAICS code 33351 is specifically designated for establishments primarily engaged in the manufacture of metalworking machinery. These include a broad range of machines and tools — from machine tools to specialized equipment — designed to work metal parts through cutting, shaping, or forming. This classification covers the backbone equipment used in metal fabrication, helping shape industries such as automotive, aerospace, construction, and heavy machinery manufacturing.

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Sector Overview: Manufacturing

• Sector: Manufacturing
• Industry Group: Machinery Manufacturing
• Industry: Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing (NAICS 33351)

This sector is integral to the broader manufacturing industry as it produces the machinery that enables efficient, precise, and large-scale metal fabrication. From small workshops to large factories, metalworking machines made by companies in this category are indispensable in creating quality metal parts and products.

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Typical Business Activities Under NAICS 33351

Businesses classified under NAICS 33351 usually focus on:

• Machine Tool Manufacturing: Producing machinery such as lathes, milling machines, grinding machines, and drilling machines.
• Metal Cutting Machine Manufacturing: Creating machines that cut metal sheets, bars, and other forms using methods like laser cutting, water jet cutting, or plasma cutting.
• Metal Forming Machine Manufacturing: Developing equipment that forms and shapes metal through processes like bending, stamping, rolling, and forging.

These activities support a diverse range of industries by providing the foundational machinery necessary for metalworking operations.

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Size Standards for NAICS 33351

To qualify as a small business under NAICS 33351 according to SBA standards:

• Size Standard: Typically, a business must not exceed 1,250 employees (including affiliates) to be considered small for this classification.

Meeting this size standard can open up numerous federal contracting opportunities for metalworking machinery manufacturers classified under this NAICS code.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 33351

• A factory producing computer numerical control (CNC) milling machines.
• A company manufacturing metal stamping presses for automotive parts production.
• An establishment crafting high-precision grinding machines used in aerospace component manufacturing.

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NAICS 33351 Code Details Table

Attribute	Details
NAICS Code	33351
Title	Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing
Sector	Manufacturing
Description	Establishments manufacturing metalworking machinery used to shape, cut, and form metal parts.
Typical Activities	Machine tool manufacturing, metal cutting and forming machine manufacturing
Small Business Size Standard	1,250 employees

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About NAICS 33351

What types of machines are included under NAICS 33351?

NAICS 33351 includes machine tools such as lathes, drills, milling machines, grinding machines, metal cutting lasers, and metal forming presses.

Does NAICS 33351 cover metal fabrication itself?

No. This code covers the manufacture of machinery used in metalworking, not the metalworking services or fabrication processes themselves.

What industries rely on metalworking machinery manufactured under this NAICS code?

Industries such as automotive, aerospace, defense, construction equipment manufacturing, and general metal fabrication depend heavily on machines classified under NAICS 33351.

How does the small business size standard impact eligibility for contracts?

Companies with 1,250 or fewer employees may qualify as small businesses under this code, granting access to special federal contracting programs and opportunities.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 33351 - Metalworking Machinery Manufacturing is a pivotal classification within the manufacturing sector, spotlighting businesses that produce critical machinery for shaping and cutting metal parts. Whether you're a manufacturer seeking to understand this industry or a contracting officer identifying suppliers, knowing the scope and scale of NAICS 33351 is essential. This industry not only empowers metal fabrication processes but also fuels innovation across diverse manufacturing disciplines.

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