State the factors of industrial location?

Answer 1

The location factors of industry can be classified into three types: site factor, operation factor and socio- economic factor.

I. Site

A: Land attributes

Normally manufacturing industry is desire for favorable land attributes, e.g. extensive flat land, cheap labour, cheap land price, mild climate, gentle relief, good infrastructures and amenities, likes water, power supply and sewage system. Different industry and type of firms require different land attributes. For example for heavy industry, it requires extensive flat land. Flat land with cheap land price favors development of the industry. Another example is high- tech industry, it usually sets up head offices and development centers in suburban areas rather than city centers. This is because suburban areas have got basic utilities and amenities. Quality workers like to work in suburban areas where environment is nice. Manufacturing activities follow them. The building and land price are cheaper in suburban areas which allows the production scale to expand. The research and development centers are usually located near universities and research institutes to gain access to new ideas associated with scientists and researchers.

B: Communication system

Communication system refers to 2 aspects. Firstly, it is about the efficient transport network for the flow of material and people. Secondly, it is about a well- established telecommunication system. A site with good communication system has always been chosen for manufacturing industry. Warehouses and distribution centers have to be located near main roads, airports, and ports, etc. Head offices are preferred to locate in city centers which have well established telecommunication network, so that it can exchange information with bunch offices and production plants efficiently.

II. Operation factor

Operation factors are about particular locations in the regions' manufacturing activities possible benefits from the easy access to market, client, labour, raw material, management, and power.

A: Access to raw material