Manufacturing is the process of converting raw materials and parts into finished goods. Finished goods are sold to other manufacturers for use as components in more complex products, or sold directly to consumers. Manufacturing is important to everyone because every product we use must be manufactured. Manufacturing invents and produces the products people want and need. One major segment of manufacturing involves production of transportation devices, such as automobiles, airplanes, and ships.

Manufacturing also involves production of communication and electronic devices, such as cell phones, televisions, computers, and networking equipment. Another segment of manufacturing includes the production of products in liquid and gas form. This is called process manufacturing and product examples include pharmaceuticals, shampoo, hair care products, and toothpaste. Manufacturing even includes production of food and beverages. In fact, the food and beverage manufacturing segment is one of the fastest growing industries around the world, which includes fresh produce, bottled drinks, frozen and processed foods, and meat products.