NAICS 332312 Quarterly Industry Report
Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 332312Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report on NAICS 332312 (Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing) synthesizes data from the U.S. Census Bureau's 2022 NAICS classification system, Bureau of Labor Statistics industry employment data, Small Business Administration size standards, and trade association resources Census Bureau NAICS[5]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, the analysis covers industry definition, establishment characteristics, employment patterns, geographic distribution, and business classification distinctions. Content reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team, with all quantitative claims sourced to publicly verifiable databases.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the fabricated structural metal manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing (NAICS 332312) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing structural metal products used in construction and infrastructure projects Census Bureau, NAICS 332312[5]. Bar joists, concrete reinforcing bars (rebar), and miscellaneous structural metal work form the core product mix. These products serve as critical building blocks for bridges, buildings, highways, and various infrastructure applications.
Fabricated metals account for roughly 12 percent of all manufacturing employment across the nation, per Bureau of Labor Statistics data[6]. A fragmented structure characterizes the industry, with numerous small and medium-sized businesses ranging from custom job shops to contract manufacturers and few companies dominating the market. Most establishments work closely with architects, engineers, and construction firms to produce detailed specifications and fabricate components to exact project requirements. Turnaround time and fabrication accuracy drive competitive advantage in this sector.
Geographic concentration reflects traditional and emerging manufacturing hubs. Rust Belt states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Michigan maintain substantial industry presence due to historical manufacturing infrastructure and skilled workforces. Meanwhile, the Southeast region including Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama has experienced growth driven by proximity to construction markets, lower operating costs, and favorable workforce development. Steel price volatility directly impacts margins, and most fabricators manage this through indexed pricing contracts tied to raw material benchmarks.
What's Included in This Industry
- Bar joist manufacturing and fabrication for floor and roof support systems
- Concrete reinforcing bar (rebar) cutting, bending, and fabrication
- Structural steel component fabrication including beams, columns, and assemblies
- Metal plaster bases and miscellaneous structural metal work
- Fabricated flood gates and structural tower sections
- Custom fabrication services for bridges and infrastructure projects
- Metal deck products for commercial and industrial building construction
- Contract fabrication and job shop operations producing structural components
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 332 |
| Industry Group | Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing | 3323 |
| NAICS Industry | Plate Work and Fabricated Structural Product Manufacturing | 33231 |
| National Industry | Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing | 332312 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 332311 | Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing | Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing comprises establishments producing complete prefabricated metal building systems, panels, and sections designed for assembly on-site, focusing on turnkey building solutions rather than individual structural components. |
| 332313 | Plate Work Manufacturing | Plate Work Manufacturing includes establishments engaged in fabricating structural products from flat metal plates through welding and shaping processes, emphasizing large plate assembly and construction rather than bar joists and reinforcing bar fabrication. |
| 332321 | Metal Window and Door Manufacturing | Metal Window and Door Manufacturing produces window and door frames, sashes, and related architectural metal components for building construction, addressing building envelope components rather than primary structural support systems. |
| 332322 | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing encompasses establishments fabricating sheet metal products through cutting, bending, forming, and welding operations, focusing on thinner gauge metal components and applications distinct from structural joists and reinforcing bars. |
| 332323 | Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing | Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing includes establishments producing decorative and architectural metal components for buildings and structures, emphasizing aesthetic and architectural purposes rather than primary structural support functions. |
| 333415 | Air-Conditioning and Warm Air Heating Equipment and Commercial and Industrial Refrigeration Equipment Manufacturing | Metal Forming Machine Manufacturing produces machinery and equipment used by fabricated metal manufacturers for cutting, bending, shaping, and welding operations, covering equipment suppliers to the structural metal fabrication industry rather than fabrication operations. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 10.5% | 359 |
| 2 | California | 8.0% | 274 |
| 3 | Florida | 4.9% | 167 |
| 4 | Ohio | 4.8% | 166 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4.8% | 163 |
| 6 | Michigan | 4.1% | 140 |
| 7 | New York | 4.0% | 138 |
| 8 | Alabama | 3.3% | 113 |
| 9 | Illinois | 3.3% | 113 |
| 10 | Indiana | 3.0% | 101 |
% Of Establishments
0%
10%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
608
Total SBA Loans
$372.6M
Total Loan Volume
$613K
Average Loan Size
11 yrs
Average Loan Term
9.75%
Average Interest Rate
6,992
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration establishes a 500-employee size standard for NAICS 332312 (Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing), meaning companies with 500 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses SBA Table of Size Standards[7]. This threshold applies to average full-time and part-time employees over the past 24 months and determines eligibility for SBA loan programs including 7(a) loans and 504 loans, as well as federal contracting programs reserved for small businesses. Fabricated structural metal manufacturers meeting this standard can access SBA financing to support equipment purchases, working capital, and expansion initiatives.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Central Trust Bank | 8 | $38.8M | $4.8M |
| 2 | First Bank of the Lake | 8 | $36.9M | $4.6M |
| 3 | First Internet Bank of Indiana | 16 | $30.3M | $1.9M |
| 4 | Ameris Bank | 8 | $28.9M | $3.6M |
| 5 | Truliant FCU | 8 | $25.9M | $3.2M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 332312?
NAICS 332312 includes establishments primarily engaged in fabricating structural metal products, such as bar joists for floor and roof systems, concrete reinforcing bars (rebar), and miscellaneous structural metal components. Businesses range from small job shops handling custom one-off fabrication projects to larger contract manufacturers producing structural elements for ongoing construction and infrastructure applications Census Bureau NAICS 332312[5].
How is the fabricated structural metal manufacturing industry structured?
The fabricated structural metal manufacturing industry exhibits a highly fragmented structure characterized by numerous small and medium-sized companies with relatively few dominant players. Establishments operate across the country with notable geographic concentration in Rust Belt states and the Southeast region. Many establishments operate as contract manufacturers maintaining long-term relationships with construction firms and engineering companies, while others function as job shops accepting varied fabrication work on a per-project basis.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 332312?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 332312 (Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing) is 500 employees. This is measured as the average number of full-time and part-time employees over the previous 24 months. Businesses with 500 or fewer employees qualify for SBA loan programs and federal small business contracting programs SBA Size Standards[7].
What other NAICS codes are related to fabricated structural metal manufacturing?
Several NAICS codes fall within the same industry group (3323). Code 332311 covers prefabricated metal building and component manufacturing, focusing on complete building systems. Plate work manufacturing falls under 332313. Codes 332321 and 332322 cover metal window/door manufacturing and sheet metal work respectively. NAICS 332323 encompasses ornamental and architectural metal work Census Bureau NAICS 3323[8].
What industries closely work with fabricated structural metal manufacturers?
Fabricated structural metal manufacturers serve multiple downstream industries. Commercial building construction firms (NAICS 236220) integrate fabricated structural products into buildings. Highway, street, and bridge construction projects (NAICS 237310) require prefabricated structural steel components. Engineering services firms (NAICS 541330) design and specify structural metal components. Upstream, iron and steel mills (NAICS 331110) provide raw materials, while metal service centers (NAICS 423510) distribute steel stock to fabricators.
What activities and products are included in NAICS 332312?
Establishments in NAICS 332312 engage in fabricating structural metal products including bar joist manufacturing, concrete reinforcing bar cutting and bending, structural steel component fabrication, metal plaster bases and miscellaneous structural work, flood gates and tower sections, bridge and infrastructure component fabrication, and metal deck products. Manufacturing involves cutting, bending, shaping, and welding operations performed to detailed specifications Bureau of Labor Statistics[9].
Are fabricated structural metal manufacturers eligible for SBA loans?
Yes, fabricated structural metal manufacturers meeting the 500-employee SBA size standard for NAICS 332312 are eligible for SBA-guaranteed loan programs. Eligible businesses can access 7(a) loans for working capital, equipment purchases, real estate acquisition, and business expansion. 504 loans provide fixed-rate financing for real estate and equipment SBA Loan Programs[10].
In which states is fabricated structural metal manufacturing most concentrated?
Fabricated structural metal manufacturing shows geographic concentration in multiple regions. Rust Belt states including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana maintain substantial industry presence due to historical manufacturing infrastructure and established skilled workforces Bureau of Labor Statistics[11]. The Southeast region including Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama has experienced growth driven by population expansion, lower operating costs, and proximity to construction markets.
Sources & References
Government datasets and editorial sources used in this report.
- [1]U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Quarterly Census of Employment and Wages bls.gov
- [2]U.S. Census Bureau, Economic Census census.gov
- [3]U.S. Census Bureau, County Business Patterns census.gov
- [4]U.S. Small Business Administration, SBA 7(a) Loan Program Data data.sba.gov
- [5]Census Bureau, NAICS 332312 census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics data bls.gov
- [7]SBA Table of Size Standards sba.gov
- [8]Census Bureau NAICS 3323 census.gov
- [9]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [10]SBA Loan Programs sba.gov
- [11]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
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