NAICS 332323 Quarterly Industry Report
Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 332323Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report provides market classification data for NAICS 332323 based on official U.S. Census Bureau industry codes[5] and SBA size standards[6]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it draws from Census Bureau data profiles, Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational employment data, and official industry classification resources. 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 ornamental and architectural metal work manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing (NAICS 332323) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in fabricating custom metal products including staircases, fire escapes, railings, gates, and decorative metal fixtures U.S. Census Bureau[5]. Firms in this industry transform raw metal materials into finished architectural and ornamental products through processes such as cutting, bending, welding, and assembling. These businesses serve residential, commercial, and industrial construction markets, producing both standard and custom-designed metal components.
Product lines include metal railings, ornamental gates, fences, window guards, and structural metal accents. Companies may specialize in wrought iron, aluminum, or steel fabrication, with offerings ranging from decorative scrollwork and finials to heavy-duty security barriers and custom architectural features. Fire escapes and safety railings represent important product categories. Custom work is the norm. Per the SBA[6], the size standard for this industry is 500 employees.
Establishments combine traditional metalworking skills with modern fabrication techniques. Many firms serve regional markets through specialized design capabilities, while larger operations may serve national distribution channels. Per Bureau of Labor Statistics data[7], the broader fabricated metals sector maintains substantial employment across Midwest and Northeast manufacturing regions. Skilled labor availability and proximity to construction markets drive location decisions. Lead times for custom ornamental work often run four to eight weeks, and most shops maintain backlogs that reflect local construction activity levels.
What's Included in This Industry
- Ornamental metal gate and fence manufacturing
- Architectural railings and balustrades for buildings
- Metal staircase and platform fabrication
- Fire escape and emergency exit stair manufacturing
- Custom decorative metal fixtures and finials
- Metal window guards and security barriers
- Ornamental metal grilles and screens
- Structural metal flooring systems
- Metal lamp posts and flag poles
- Custom metal fabrication for architectural applications
- Wrought iron and decorative metalwork
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 332 |
| Industry Group | Architectural and Structural Metals Manufacturing | 3323 |
| NAICS Industry | Ornamental and Architectural Metal Products Manufacturing | 33232 |
| National Industry | Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing | 332323 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 332312 | Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing | Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing comprises establishments producing structural metal products such as bar joists and bridge components, related through similar fabrication processes and metal forming techniques used in both ornamental and structural applications. |
| 332322 | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing covers establishments producing sheet metal products including heating ducts and roofing materials, sharing common welding and fabrication equipment with ornamental metalwork operations and serving overlapping construction markets. |
| 332321 | Metal Window and Door Manufacturing | Metal Window and Door Manufacturing produces metal-framed windows and doors using similar cutting, forming, and assembly processes as ornamental metal shops, with related architectural applications in building envelope systems. |
| 332313 | Plate Work Manufacturing | Plate Work Manufacturing involves cutting, punching, and bending purchased metal plate, using comparable fabrication skills and equipment as ornamental shops and serving similar commercial construction and industrial applications. |
| 332311 | Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing | Prefabricated Metal Building and Component Manufacturing produces complete metal building systems that may incorporate ornamental and architectural metal components as finishing elements in building facade and interior applications. |
| 332618 | Other Fabricated Wire Product Manufacturing | Other Fabricated Wire Product Manufacturing produces chain link fencing and wire products through wire forming and assembly, serving residential and commercial applications similar to ornamental metal fence and gate manufacturers. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 12.0% | 337 |
| 2 | New York | 7.2% | 201 |
| 3 | Texas | 6.6% | 186 |
| 4 | Florida | 6.4% | 179 |
| 5 | Pennsylvania | 4.1% | 115 |
| 6 | Washington | 3.5% | 99 |
| 7 | Colorado | 3.3% | 92 |
| 8 | Illinois | 3.3% | 92 |
| 9 | Arizona | 3.2% | 89 |
| 10 | New Jersey | 2.7% | 76 |
% Of Establishments
0%
12%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
224
Total SBA Loans
$195.4M
Total Loan Volume
$872K
Average Loan Size
12 yrs
Average Loan Term
10.31%
Average Interest Rate
1,080
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: Ornamental and Architectural Metal Work Manufacturing (NAICS 332323) qualifies for SBA loans and federal contracting support[8] with a small business size standard of 500 employees. Eligible businesses can access SBA 7(a) loans[9] for working capital, equipment, and facility expansion, and 504 loans[10] for major fixed asset purchases. Manufacturing businesses meeting general SBA requirements regarding ownership, location, and financial stability can apply for federal support programs.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Port 51 Lending LLC | 8 | $40.0M | $5.0M |
| 2 | United Community Bank | 16 | $39.8M | $2.5M |
| 3 | Fidelity Bank, National Association | 16 | $30.2M | $1.9M |
| 4 | Encore Bank | 8 | $29.6M | $3.7M |
| 5 | Newtek Bank, National Association | 16 | $22.4M | $1.4M |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 332323?
NAICS 332323 includes fabricators of ornamental and architectural metal products such as custom railings, decorative gates, fire escapes, and metal staircases Census Bureau NAICS 332323[5]. Businesses range from small custom shops serving local builders to larger firms supplying national distribution networks.
How is the ornamental metal work industry structured?
Many firms operate as job shops producing made-to-order metal components, while others maintain inventory of standard product lines. The industry is characterized by relatively small establishments with specialized expertise, with median firm size well below the 500-employee SBA threshold. Regional concentration in manufacturing-intensive states supports clusters of specialized metalworking firms.
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 332323?
The SBA size standard is 500 employees[6] for NAICS 332323, meaning businesses with 500 or fewer employees qualify as small businesses for federal contracting and SBA lending programs.
What NAICS codes are related to 332323?
Related codes include 332312 (Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing), 332322 (Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing), 332321 (Metal Window and Door Manufacturing), and 332313 (Plate Work Manufacturing) Census Bureau NAICS[11]. These industries share common fabrication processes, equipment, and construction-related applications.
What related industries serve the ornamental metal market?
Primary related industries include commercial building construction (NAICS 236220) as a downstream customer, fabricated structural metal manufacturing (NAICS 332312) for complementary construction products, and building equipment installation (NAICS 238100) for downstream installation services Bureau of Labor Statistics[7].
What specific activities and products are included in NAICS 332323?
Activities include manufacturing staircases, metal open steel flooring, fire escapes, railings, ornamental gates, fences, window guards, decorative scrollwork, metal lamp posts, flag poles, and custom architectural metal fixtures Census Bureau NAICS 332323[5]. Products are fabricated through cutting, bending, welding, and assembly processes.
Are ornamental metal work businesses eligible for SBA loans?
Where is the ornamental metal work industry geographically concentrated?
The industry concentrates in traditional manufacturing regions including Ohio, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana Bureau of Labor Statistics[7]. These Rust Belt states maintain competitive advantages in metal fabrication due to skilled labor pools and established supply chains. Texas and California also host substantial fabrication activity.
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]U.S. Census Bureau census.gov
- [6]SBA sba.gov
- [7]Bureau of Labor Statistics data bls.gov
- [8]SBA loans and federal contracting support sba.gov
- [9]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [10]504 loans sba.gov
- [11]Census Bureau NAICS census.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.