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Industry Classification

6.  What is NAICS?

Since 1997, federal agencies have used the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS). NAICS is unique in that its conceptual framework is based on production processes. Therefore, economic units that have similar production processes are classified in the same industry

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7.  I do not believe that my company or establishment belongs in the manufacturing sector. What should I do?

• The reporting unit for the Manufacturing Energy Consumption Survey is the manufacturing establishment. A manufacturing establishment is an economic unit at a single physical location, for the mechanical or chemical transformation of materials or substances into new products.
• An establishment is not necessarily identical to a business concern or firm, either of which may consist of one or more establishments. A company may consist of one or more establishments that are engaged in separate or distinct activities. These establishments may be situated at one location and separated physically as well as economically.
• Manufacturing operations are generally conducted in facilities described as plants, factories, or mills, characteristically using power-driven machines and materials-handling equipment. Manufacturing also includes such activities as the assembly of components of manufactured products and the blending of materials such as lubricating oil, plastics, re sins or liquors.
• If this establishment has previously completed the Economic Census – Manufacturing, conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, then the reporting boundaries for the MECS should correspond to those used for the Census. Each reporting unit should be treated as a separate establishment ONLY if that was the determination made for the Census. Do not consolidate Census establishments for reporting on the MECS. See Economic Census – Manufacturing web site: http://bhs.econ.census.gov/econhelp/resources/mc-33/SEC_MC-33.html
• If you feel that your organization does not meet the guidelines listed above please contact our processing office at: 1-800-528-3049.

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Last revised: June 11 2007 15:00:29