Large Scale Manufacturing
Large Scale Manufacturing encompasses a crucial part of the economy that converts raw materials into finished goods with higher value through various secondary activities. This section details the essential aspects of large-scale manufacturing, focusing on its characteristics, classification, and influencing factors.
Key Characteristics
- Specialised Skills and Methods of Production: Production involves high specialization with workers focusing on singular tasks to enhance efficiency and reduce costs.
- Organizational Structure: Efficient large-scale operations require a complex organizational hierarchy with significant investments in machinery and technology.
- Geographic Distribution: Major manufacturing centers are unevenly distributed, often located in areas with suitable market access, raw materials, and skilled labor.
- Mechanisation and Automation: Introduces modern technology and systems that enhance productivity and consistency in manufacturing processes.
Classification
Manufacturing industries are classified by:
- Size: from household industries to multinational corporations.
- Input: divided into agro-based, mineral-based, chemical-based, forest-based, and animal-based categories.
- Ownership types, including public, private, and joint ventures.
Importance
These industries play a significant role in the economic structure, providing jobs, producing consumer goods, and facilitating trade both locally and globally. Understanding the dynamics of large-scale manufacturing is vital for recognizing its impact on economic development.