What this class covers
ANZSIC class 2231 classifies Australian businesses whose primary activity is the manufacturing of boilers, tanks, and other containers from heavy gauge metal. This involves industrial-scale fabrication processes, such as cutting, bending, welding, and assembling thick metal sheets and plates into large, durable vessels. These products are typically designed to hold liquids, gases, or granular materials under pressure or in large volumes for industrial, agricultural, or commercial use.
This classification applies to businesses that manufacture these products as a stand-alone activity in a factory or workshop setting. Common examples include a Queensland workshop fabricating large steel water storage tanks for rural properties, a Victorian manufacturer producing industrial steam boilers for power generation, or a South Australian business specialising in the production of metal silos for grain storage. The classification is used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) for collecting economic data and by businesses for aligning their activities with standard industry codes for reporting and registration purposes.
Primary activities in plain English
Businesses in this class are primarily engaged in:
- Manufacturing industrial metal boilers for generating steam.
- Producing large metal storage tanks, such as those used on farms or for water storage.
- Fabricating metal gas cylinders for storing compressed gases.
- Building large metal vats used in brewing or chemical processing.
- Manufacturing metal silos for bulk storage of grain or other materials.
- Producing components like steam superheaters for boiler systems.
Exclusions and nearby codes
It is important to note what this class does not cover. Businesses whose main activity is the on-site erection or installation of these heavy gauge containers (for example, assembling a tank as part of a building project) are excluded from manufacturing and are classified elsewhere, typically within Division E: Construction.
Furthermore, the manufacturing of other types of metal containers that are not considered heavy gauge—such as light gauge cans, boxes, or drums—is not included here. This activity is classified under ANZSIC Class 2239: Other Metal Container Manufacturing.
Practical guidance
When registering for an ABN or completing your business tax return, accurately selecting your ANZSIC classification is important for correct industry reporting. The Business Industry Code (BIC) 22310 is directly derived from this ANZSIC class. This code may be used by state and territory revenue offices and workers' compensation authorities (e.g., icare in NSW, WorkSafe in Victoria) to determine your industry levy risk profile, which can affect your premium rates.
For grant applications or government tenders that target the manufacturing sector, using this specific code helps ensure your business is correctly identified. Always base your classification on your business's main revenue-generating activity. If your work involves both manufacturing and installing these products, the primary activity determines the correct class.