LIGHT INDUSTRY: CHARACTERISTICS, TYPES, EXAMPLES - ECONOMY - 2025

The light industry is one that uses raw materials and semi - finished products for manufacturing goods and personal consumption. Its origin dates back to ancient times, since it accompanies man from the moment he began to produce basic products to satisfy his personal needs and those of his community.

The light industry obtains its materials from the heavy industry, which it processes to produce products aimed at a final consumer, although sometimes its products could be used by other similar companies as part of the components of its production.

For logistical reasons, these industrial groups are located near the cities, becoming an important factor for the development of the regional economy. In this way, they are not only an important source of employment, but also strengthen other companies that are sustained by the marketing of their products.

This type of industry has been the key to economic growth in many countries, among other things due to the fact that investment capital is low, which means that its recovery is relatively fast. This encourages investors to put their money in projects related to this type of company.

characteristics

- They require less amount of raw material, energy resources and physical space to work.

- Generally the levels of contamination are low, because they have little environmental impact.

- They use raw and semi-finished materials, from basic industry, to transform them into final products.

- A large number of them are located near the big cities, which guarantees a quick distribution of the articles.

- The fundamental intention is the production of goods, which will be purchased directly by the end customer, in a retail market.

- Capital for investment is low.

- The functionality, presentation and physical characteristics of the product are important, since they need it to be attractive to the consumer.

- They are closely related to the economic phenomena of the local economy.

- It does not require a large amount of labor.

- There is a great variety of types of light industry, which can be subdivided due to the need to specialize the final product.

- The marketing of its products depends on domestic consumption, and may be affected by any crisis that affects the local market.

- Light industry can manufacture products that could be the basis for other similar companies.

Types

Food production

It is in charge of operating, transforming and processing raw materials of plant or animal origin for animal or human consumption. In this group are manufacturers of sweets, bread, processed meats, cheeses, fruits, among others.

Due to its great variety and high demand, it is one of the largest job-generating industries, since it involves various supervisory and technical positions that handle the various machinery.

electronics

The electronics light industry is responsible for the manufacture, design and assembly of electronic items for domestic, industrial, commercial and military use.

In addition, these products are the basis of other factories, such as automotive, electrical appliances, toys, communications, among others.

Due to the constant innovations that this type of light industry has, updates are frequent in this field and must be adjusted to the requirements of the end consumer.

Pharmaceutical

It is in charge of producing and marketing medicinal chemical products for the treatment and prevention of diseases. These companies are also heavily involved in the research and development of new drugs.

Cosmetics

The improvement of physical appearance creates a high need for consumption, which has led these companies to achieve significant sales figures, positively affecting other sectors such as laboratories, perfume shops, etc.

It is based on the production of cosmetics, which are chemical mixtures used to improve the appearance of the human body. This group includes skin and hair care products, makeup, fragrances, among others.

Furniture

The furniture industry is related to the design and manufacture, in various materials, of furniture, intended for homes, shops, industries, or any type of interior or exterior space.

In it, qualified labor plays a very important role, since this industry is considered "artisan", due to the great relevance in the details of the final product.

Automotive

Automotive assembly is one of the traditional employers in the history of light industry, having been in business for decades past.

This type of light industry includes designers and manufacturers of automobile parts and individual components of the automobile.

Textile

Here a series of activities are grouped, such as spinning and weaving, the manufacture of clothing and other articles, for which natural and synthetic raw materials are used.

This activity is very solid in the market, being the perfect choice for those who wish to start a new business project.

Printing

Despite technology engulfing the world at this time, however, the demand for books, catalogs, brochures, and newspapers remains considerably high.

This industry could be classified as traditional, but in reality it is at the forefront of the innovations of these times, especially in the innovative marketing campaigns they have.

Footwear

This light industry contemplates designing, manufacturing, distributing, marketing and selling all types of footwear.

It constitutes a highly diversified sector, since it covers a wide variety of materials and products, from the most general to the most exclusive, such as snowboarding boots and protective footwear.

Examples

Food production

- Bakeries

- Canned products: tomato sauces, mayonnaise, natural tomatoes, etc.

- Sausages: ham, salchichón, etc.

- Processed foods, such as pasteurized cheeses, aged cheeses, milk, yogurt.

electronics

- Electronic devices: cell phones, cameras.

- Computer accessories, such as cables, mice, horns, keyboards.

- Electrical equipment: power sources, regulators, UPS.

Pharmaceutical

- All kinds of vaccines.

- Hospital supplies: Ringer solution, contrast solution for tomography.

- Medications in general.

Cosmetics

- Items for skin care, such as creams, sunscreen, soap.

- Articles for the hair, such as shampoo, dyes, cream baths.

- Makeup in general.

- Perfumes in general.

Furniture

- Home furnishings, such as beds, sofa, kitchen cabinets.

- Furniture for commerce and industry: shelves, filing cabinets, counters.

Automotive

- Vehicles: cars, trucks, trains, buses.

- Motorcycles

- Design of engines, parts and pieces.

Textile

- Manufacture of natural and synthetic fabrics.

- Clothing, such as shirts, pants, socks and ties.

- Lingerie in general.

- Specialized clothing: sports, uniforms.

Printing

- Educational and literary texts.

- Media, such as newspapers, magazines.

- Advertising: brochures, catalogs, brochures, advertisements.

Footwear

- Orthopedic shoes.

- Formal and informal footwear.

- Special footwear, such as ballet and sports shoes.

References

1. Wikipedia (2018). Light industry. Taken from: en.wikipedia.org.
2. Malcom Bicola (2016). 6 Different Types of Light Industrial Jobs. Talentcor. Taken from: talentcor.com.
3. Christopher Raines (2017). What is Light Industrial Work? Career Trend. Taken from: careertrend.com.
4. Stefan Anitei (2008). What's Light Industry? Softpedia News Taken from: news.softpedia.com.
5. Margaret McGriff (2018). 5 Types of Light Industrial Jobs to Know About. Labor Finders. Taken from: laborfinders.com.