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Metals
The fabricated metal products sector is comprised of facilities that generally perform two functions: forming metal shapes and performing metal finishing operations, including surface preparation. The main processes associated with this industry can be divided into three types of operations: metal fabrication, metal preparation, and metal finishing. The Department of Commerce formerly classified this industry under the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification code 34; the sector is now classified under the 1997 North American Industry Classification System as 332. The non-ferrous metals sector is composed of establishments that engage in: the primary and secondary smelting and refining of ferrous and nonferrous metal from ore or scrap; rolling, drawing, and alloying; and the manufacturing and casting of basic metal products such as nails, spikes, wire, and cable. Primary smelting and refining produces metals directly from ores, while secondary refining and smelting produces metals from scrap and process waste. The Department of Commerce formerly classified this industry under the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification code 33; the sector is now classified under the 1997 North American Industry Classification System as 331. The iron and steel sector is comprised of establishments primarily engaged in one or more of the following: (1) direct reduction of iron ore; (2) manufacturing pig iron in molten or solid form; (3) converting pig iron into steel; (4) making steel; (5) making steel and manufacturing shapes (e.g., bar, plate, rod, sheet, strip, wire); and (6) making steel and forming tube and pipe. The Department of Commerce formerly classified this industry under the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification code 33; the sector is now classified under the 1997 North American Industry Classification System as 331. The metal casting sector is comprised of facilities that make parts from molten metal according to an end-user's specifications. Facilities are typically categorized as casting either ferrous or nonferrous products. The Department of Commerce formerly classified this industry under the 1987 Standard Industrial Classification code 33; the sector is now classified under the 1997 North American Industry Classification System as 331.
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