Standard industrial classifications to be changed

Edited by the Manufacturingtalk editorial team Apr 19, 2005

GTMA is actively involved, on behalf of the UK industry, in Operation 2007 - an opportunity to request fundamental changes to the structure of the Standard Industrial Classification codes.

GTMA is actively involved, on behalf of the UK industry, in Operation 2007 - an opportunity to request fundamental changes to the structure of the Standard Industrial Classification codes.

As an ISTMA member, GTMA is actively involved, on behalf of the UK industry, in Operation 2007 - an opportunity to request fundamental changes to the structure of the SIC (Standard Industrial Classification) codes.

These SIC codes are used to identify and define the size and affinity of each and every manufacturing sector - including toolmaking.

In the existing structure the two main types of Toolmaking are listed in two very different - and quite irrelevant and unsuitable - chapters of the SIC code.

For example, press tools are included under 'Hand Tools' while mould tools are included in 'Other Special Purpose Metallurgy' alongside, book binding machines, centrifugal clothes dryers and other very diverse products.

With GTMA support, ISTMA Europe has proposed that there should be a new, separate SIC code for 'Special Purpose Tooling' logically bringing together under one code both pressing/stamping tools and mould tools.

Due in large part to work done by Tom Griffiths, Business Manager, GTMA, and the DTI office, the UK National Statistical Institute (NSI) has supported this proposal.

Unfortunately however, this has not been the case for all other European countries, whose trade associations have now been urged to write individually to their country NSI organisations explaining why the code change is both necessary and beneficial - using a pro-forma letter developed by Tom Griffiths and distributed to all ISTMA Europe members.

In the event that the resultant delay means that it is too late for the creation of a totally separate SIC code for 'Special Purpose Tooling' in this round of changes, GTMA is supporting an interim proposal to separate out mould tools and press tools from their current SIC groups, so that they can be clearly identified and statistically recognised.