NAICS 332439 Quarterly Industry Report
Other Metal Container Manufacturing
Comprehensive industry research for valuation professionals, business owners, buyers, and lenders
NAICS Code: 332439Sector: 33Updated: Q1 2026
About This Report
This report on NAICS 332439 (Other Metal Container Manufacturing) draws on data from the U.S. Census Bureau[5], Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], and Small Business Administration[8]. Published by Fair Market Value and updated quarterly, it provides valuation professionals, business owners, lenders, and brokers with industry intelligence. The editorial analysis reflects the independent assessment of FairMarketValue.com's research team.
Industry Snapshot
Key metrics for the other metal container manufacturing industry.
Industry Definition & Overview
Other Metal Container Manufacturing (NAICS 332439) encompasses establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing metal containers made from light gauge metals, excluding cans. Products in this classification include steel shipping barrels, drums, kegs, pails, garbage cans, metal bins, lunch boxes, mailboxes, tool boxes, vats, and vacuum bottles. Per the U.S. Census Bureau[5], this industry represents a specialized segment within the broader fabricated metal product manufacturing sector.
The industry serves diverse customer bases across food and beverage, chemical, pharmaceutical, petroleum, and general industrial sectors. Manufacturing processes include cutting, forming, joining, and assembling light gauge metal through techniques such as stamping, bending, and welding. Per Bureau of Labor Statistics data[6], establishments in this classification focus on producing durable, reusable containers that meet rigorous performance and safety standards for storage and transportation applications. Small and mid-sized firms dominate, most serving regional markets.
Light gauge metal containers remain essential across multiple industries despite competition from alternative packaging materials. The Census Bureau data portal[7] provides current statistics on establishment counts, employment levels, and economic output within NAICS 332439. Raw material costs, particularly steel sheet and aluminum prices, directly affect margins and pricing strategies across the industry. DOT regulations govern drum specifications for hazardous material transport, adding compliance requirements that shape product design and testing protocols for manufacturers serving chemical and petroleum customers.
What's Included in This Industry
- Steel shipping barrels and drums
- Metal pails and buckets for industrial use
- Garbage cans and refuse containers
- Metal lunch boxes and food storage containers
- Mailboxes and lockboxes
- Tool boxes and storage boxes
- Metal vats and processing vessels
- Vacuum bottles and insulated containers
- Metal bins and hoppers for material storage
- Light gauge metal shipping containers and totes
NAICS Classification Hierarchy
| Level | Description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| Subsector | Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | 332 |
| Industry Group | Boiler, Tank, and Shipping Container Manufacturing | 3324 |
| NAICS Industry | Metal Can, Box, and Other Metal Container (Light Gauge) Manufacturing | 33243 |
| National Industry | Other Metal Container Manufacturing | 332439 |
Related NAICS Codes
| Code | Description | Relationship |
|---|---|---|
| 332431 | Metal Can Manufacturing | Metal can manufacturing for beverages and food products made from tinplate and aluminum represents a closely related but distinct product classification within metal container manufacturing. |
| 332420 | Metal Tank (Heavy Gauge) Manufacturing | Metal tank heavy gauge manufacturing focuses on larger industrial storage vessels and tanks using heavier gauge materials, serving different applications than light gauge container production. |
| 332999 | All Other Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Product Manufacturing | All other miscellaneous fabricated metal product manufacturing includes foil containers and specialty metal products not captured in other container manufacturing classifications. |
| 332322 | Sheet Metal Work Manufacturing | Sheet metal work manufacturing encompasses cutting, forming, and bending operations that provide component manufacturing services to container producers and related industries. |
| 331110 | Iron and Steel Mills and Ferroalloy Manufacturing | Iron and steel mills provide raw material inputs of sheet steel and coil steel that container manufacturers process into finished light gauge products for various end markets. |
| 332312 | Fabricated Structural Metal Manufacturing | Fabricated structural metal manufacturing shares metal forming and joining techniques with container manufacturers but focuses on structural building components rather than containers. |
Geographic Concentration
Top states by share of national establishments.
| # | State | % Est. | Total Est. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | California | 12.2% | 32 |
| 2 | Ohio | 8.0% | 21 |
| 3 | Illinois | 7.6% | 20 |
| 4 | Florida | 7.3% | 19 |
| 5 | Texas | 6.1% | 16 |
| 6 | Indiana | 5.7% | 15 |
| 7 | Pennsylvania | 4.6% | 12 |
| 8 | New Jersey | 3.4% | 9 |
| 9 | Iowa | 3.4% | 9 |
| 10 | North Carolina | 3.4% | 9 |
% Of Establishments
0%
12%
Source: County Business Patterns, U.S. Census Bureau[3]
SBA Lending Summary
16
Total SBA Loans
$6.0M
Total Loan Volume
$375K
Average Loan Size
10 yrs
Average Loan Term
11.00%
Average Interest Rate
48
Jobs Supported
Source: SBA 7(a) Program Data, U.S. Small Business Administration — FY 2025[4]
Key Insight: The Small Business Administration[8] designates a size standard of 600 employees for NAICS 332439, determining small business eligibility for federal contracting programs and SBA-supported financing. Manufacturers with fewer than 600 employees qualify as small businesses under federal procurement regulations. Small manufacturers in this sector may qualify for SBA 7(a) loans[9] and 504 loans[10] for equipment, facilities, and working capital.
Top SBA Lenders
| # | Lender | Loans | Volume | Avg Loan |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | First-Citizens Bank & Trust Company | 8 | $4.0M | $500K |
| 2 | Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company | 8 | $2.0M | $250K |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this industry.
What types of businesses are classified under NAICS 332439?
NAICS 332439 encompasses manufacturing operations that produce light gauge metal containers excluding cans. Common business types include manufacturers of drums and pails, garbage can producers, mailbox manufacturers, tool box makers, and vacuum bottle producers Census Bureau NAICS 332439[5].
How is NAICS 332439 structured relative to other container manufacturing?
Metal container manufacturing divides into multiple classifications based on container type and material gauge. NAICS 332431 covers metal cans from tinplate and aluminum. NAICS 332420 addresses heavy gauge metal tanks. Code 332999 includes foil containers and other specialty products. NAICS 332439 specifically covers light gauge metal containers not classified elsewhere Census Bureau[11].
What is the SBA size standard for NAICS 332439?
The SBA size standard for NAICS 332439 is 600 employees. Companies that do not exceed this threshold qualify as small businesses for SBA programs, contracting set-asides, and SBA financing SBA Size Standards[8].
What related NAICS codes should I understand when evaluating NAICS 332439?
Key related classifications include 332431 (Metal Can Manufacturing), 332420 (Metal Tank Heavy Gauge), 332322 (Sheet Metal Work), 331110 (Iron and Steel Mills), and 332999 (Miscellaneous Fabricated Metal Products) Census Bureau[11].
What industries consume products from NAICS 332439 manufacturers?
NAICS 332439 manufacturers supply petroleum refining (NAICS 324110), chemical and adhesive manufacturing (NAICS 325520), breweries (NAICS 312120), food processing, pharmaceutical companies, and waste management operations Bureau of Labor Statistics[6].
What are the primary activities and manufacturing processes in NAICS 332439?
Establishments cut, stamp, form, bend, join, and assemble light gauge metal into finished containers. Production typically involves shearing metal coil, stamping shapes, welding or riveting, adding closures, and quality testing. Many producers offer finishing services including painting, coating, or labeling Census Bureau[5].
Can NAICS 332439 manufacturers access SBA loans?
What geographic areas have concentration of NAICS 332439 operations?
Container manufacturing concentrates in regions with strong steel processing industries, transportation networks, and industrial customer bases. Per Bureau of Labor Statistics[6], fabricated metals employment clusters in the Midwest, where steel mill proximity and manufacturing infrastructure support container production.
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]Bureau of Labor Statistics data bls.gov
- [7]Census Bureau data portal data.census.gov
- [8]Small Business Administration sba.gov
- [9]SBA 7(a) loans sba.gov
- [10]504 loans sba.gov
- [11]Census Bureau 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.