NAICS 332313 Quarterly Industry Report
Plate Work Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 332313Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report covers NAICS 332313 (Plate Work Manufacturing) and draws on 2022 Economic Census data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5], official NAICS classification definitions, and SBA size standards documentation[7]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, this profile serves business owners, buyers, CPAs, lenders, business brokers, and valuation professionals. Additional data is drawn from Bureau of Labor Statistics[8].. The editorial analysis 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 plate work manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Plate Work Manufacturing (NAICS 332313) encompasses establishments that fabricate metal plate work by cutting, punching, bending, shaping, and welding purchased metal plate into finished products Census Bureau, NAICS 332313[5]. Energy, petrochemicals, water treatment, and food processing represent the primary end-markets. Plate work manufacturers produce components such as airlocks, baffles, tanks, and vessel assemblies that are either shop-erected or field-erected at customer sites.
Key processes include metal plate cutting, forming, and joining through welding and assembly operations. Smaller shop-erected products are fully assembled in manufacturing facilities before shipment, while larger field-erected products are fabricated in component pieces and assembled at final installation sites. Precision fabrication matters here. Adherence to technical standards including ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code compliance for certain applications, and skilled trades expertise in welding, distinguish top-tier operators from the pack.
Establishments in this classification differ from related industries by their focus on plate work fabrication rather than structural metal assembly, sheet metal work, or complete boiler and tank manufacturing. Thousands of workers staff operations across numerous states, with concentration in regions supporting petrochemical, energy, and industrial manufacturing sectors Bureau of Labor Statistics[6]. Skilled labor availability remains a critical factor. Firms compete on turnaround time, welding quality certifications, and the ability to handle large-format plate requiring specialized lifting and handling equipment.
What's Included in This Industry
- Fabricated metal plate work manufacturing
- Metal plate cutting, punching, and shaping operations
- Welding and metal joining of fabricated plate products
- Assembly of plate-fabricated components
- Airlocks and baffles manufacturing
- Field-erected and shop-erected plate product fabrication
- Weldments and structural plate assemblies
- Custom plate work fabrication to design specifications
- Metal plate surface finishing and preparation
- Quality inspection and testing of fabricated plate products
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 | Plate Work Manufacturing | 332313 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 332312 | Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing | Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing comprises establishments engaged in fabricating structural metal products such as bar joists and concrete reinforcing bars, distinguished from plate work manufacturing by focus on structural assemblies rather than plate fabrication processes. |
| 332311 | Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing | Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing involves manufacturing standardized metal building components and panels, separate from custom plate work fabrication and distinct in product standardization versus custom design focus. |
| 332322 | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing comprises establishments engaged in manufacturing sheet metal products excluding stampings, distinguished from plate work manufacturing by focus on thinner gauge materials and different fabrication techniques. |
| 332410 | Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing | Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing power boilers and heat exchangers, classified separately from plate work manufacturing as operations are specialized to boiler and heat exchanger production. |
| 332420 | Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing | Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing comprises establishments engaged in manufacturing heavy gauge metal tanks and vessels, classified separately from plate work manufacturing due to focus on complete tank product manufacturing rather than plate work components. |
| 332323 | Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing | Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing involves manufacturing ornamental and architectural metal products, distinguished from plate work manufacturing by focus on aesthetic and architectural applications rather than industrial plate fabrication. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Texas | 9.2% | 156 |
| 2 | Ohio | 7.6% | 128 |
| 3 | Pennsylvania | 7.2% | 121 |
| 4 | California | 5.7% | 96 |
| 5 | Michigan | 5.6% | 94 |
| 6 | Wisconsin | 5.1% | 86 |
| 7 | Illinois | 5.0% | 85 |
| 8 | Indiana | 4.0% | 67 |
| 9 | Florida | 3.1% | 53 |
| 10 | Alabama | 3.0% | 50 |
% Of Establishments
0%
9%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
72
Total SBA Loans
$45.1M
Total Loan Volume
$627K
Average Loan Size
9 yrs
Average Loan Term
9.28%
Average Interest Rate
1,456
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: NAICS 332313 is classified under the Manufacturing sector, specifically within Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing. The SBA size standard for Plate Work Manufacturing is 750 employees, meaning companies with 750 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses for federal contracting and SBA loan eligibility purposes SBA Size Standards[7]. Plate work manufacturers may be eligible for SBA 7(a) loans, 504 loans, procurement set-asides, and other small business programs if they meet size requirements and other eligibility criteria.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | WesBanco Bank, Inc. | 8 | $18.3M | $2.3M |
| 2 | Somerset Trust Company | 16 | $12.8M | $802K |
| 3 | SouthState Bank, National Association | 8 | $9.1M | $1.1M |
| 4 | U.S. Bank, National Association | 16 | $2.0M | $125K |
| 5 | Nicolet National Bank | 8 | $1.2M | $146K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 332313 Plate Work Manufacturing?
NAICS 332313 includes establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing fabricated metal plate work through cutting, punching, bending, shaping, and welding purchased metal plate. Typical businesses include metal plate fabrication shops, pressure vessel component manufacturers, industrial weldment producers, and custom plate work fabricators serving petrochemical, energy, and industrial sectors Census Bureau NAICS 332313[5].
How is the plate work manufacturing industry structured?
The plate work manufacturing industry comprises small to medium-sized establishments ranging from specialized fabrication shops to larger integrated operations. Most industry operates through job-shop and contract manufacturing models where companies fabricate custom plate work to customer specifications. Industry coordination occurs through the Steel Tank Institute/Steel Plate Fabricators Association (STI/SPFA), which represents plate fabricators and their suppliers .
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 332313?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 332313 Plate Work Manufacturing is 750 employees, measured as the average number of full-time and part-time employees over the previous 24 months. Establishments with 750 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses for federal procurement purposes, SBA loan eligibility, and other small business programs SBA Size Standards[7].
What NAICS codes are most closely related to plate work manufacturing?
Closely related NAICS codes include 332312 (Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing), 332322 (Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing), 332410 (Power Boiler and Heat Exchanger Manufacturing), and 332420 (Metal Tank Heavy Gauge Manufacturing). NAICS 332312 differs by focusing on structural metal assemblies such as bar joists rather than plate work. NAICS 332322 involves thinner gauge sheet metal using different processes Census Bureau NAICS 3323[9].
What industries are closely related to plate work manufacturing?
Plate work manufacturing serves multiple downstream industries including petrochemical refining, power generation and utilities, food and beverage processing, water and wastewater treatment, and industrial chemical processing. Upstream suppliers include primary iron and steel mills (NAICS 331110) providing raw plate materials. Downstream customers include power boiler and heat exchanger manufacturers (NAICS 332410) and commercial construction firms (NAICS 236220).
What specific activities are included in plate work manufacturing operations?
Plate work manufacturing activities include metal plate cutting through various methods, punching and shearing operations, bending and forming of metal plates, welding and metal joining, assembly of fabricated plate components, surface finishing and preparation, and quality inspection and testing. Establishments perform custom fabrication to customer specifications, often adhering to ASME Boiler and Pressure Vessel Code for pressure-containing applications Census Bureau NAICS 332313[5].
Are businesses in NAICS 332313 eligible for SBA loans and programs?
Yes, establishments classified under NAICS 332313 are eligible for SBA loans and programs if they meet the size standard of 750 employees or fewer and satisfy other SBA eligibility requirements. Eligible businesses may apply for SBA 7(a) loans for working capital and equipment, and 504 loans for real estate and fixed assets SBA Loan Programs[10].
In which states is plate work manufacturing geographically concentrated?
Plate work manufacturing establishments concentrate in states supporting petrochemical refining, power generation, and heavy industrial manufacturing. Texas and Louisiana contain substantial plate work manufacturing capacity due to petrochemical industry concentration. Midwest states serve water treatment, industrial processing, and energy sectors Bureau of Labor Statistics[11]. Geographic concentration reflects proximity to end-user industries and historical industrial manufacturing infrastructure.
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 332313 census.gov
- [6]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [7]SBA size standards documentation sba.gov
- [8]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
- [9]Census Bureau NAICS 3323 census.gov
- [10]SBA Loan Programs sba.gov
- [11]Bureau of Labor Statistics bls.gov
Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared by Fair Market Value (“Fair Market Value”) for informational purposes only. It is provided on an “as-is” and “as available” basis. Fair Market Value makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, regarding the merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose, completeness, or accuracy of the data or information contained herein. This publication is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, professional financial, legal, tax, or investment advice. Users should consult with qualified professionals before making any financial or business decisions based on the information presented.
To the extent permitted by law, Fair Market Value disclaims all liability for loss or damage, direct and indirect, suffered or incurred by any person resulting from the use of, or reliance upon, the data in this publication.
Copyright © 2026 Fair Market Value. All rights reserved. All data, information, articles, graphs, and content contained in this publication are copyrighted works and Fair Market Value hereby reserves all rights. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, republished, uploaded to a third party, or distributed without the prior written permission of Fair Market Value.