Question

Explain any four factors influencing the location of industries.

Answer 1

Hint:
> Economic activity takes place in an industry dealing with the function and processes involved in gathering and turning raw materials into goods.
> Factors that affect the position of industries may be narrowly classified as 'geographical' and 'non-geographical' factors.
> The places where the government wants to grow economically are typically granted a lot of benefits.

Complete answer:
The location of the industry at a particular location is the result of a number of decisions taken at different levels. There are certain geographical factors and factors outside the geographical area responsible for determining the location of the industries. Some of the factors that affect the position of industries are as follows:

1. Raw material: Raw materials are the most important thing to produce any product because raw materials are converted into manufactured products. Large quantities of raw materials are required for the production of finished goods by industry. As a result, factories should be located close to the source of raw materials in order to save shipping costs.

2. Transportation: The means of transport play an important role in the development of the industry. Speedy and effective transport facilities are needed to transport raw materials to the factory and to market finished products. Modern industries need cheap, developed and fast means of transport.

3. Labour: Labor supply is important in two respects: a large number of employees are always required and people with skills or technological experience are needed. Cheap labour should be available for labour-intensive manufacturing. Skilled labour is costly, but efficiency and skill compensate for higher wages. Labour is more mobile than all the other different factors of production. It can be moved from villages to towns, from industry to another place and so on.

4. Market: The entire production process is pointless before the finished products enter the market. Closeness to the market is necessary for the rapid disposal of manufactured products. It helps to reduce transport costs and allows customers to get products at lower prices.

Note:
> Alternative raw materials are now being used due to new scientific and technical advances.
> The availability of energy in large areas and the growing mobility of labour have diminished the impact of geographical factors on the position of industries.
> Non-geographical factors include economic, political, historical and social factors.
> To a large degree, these factors affect our modern industries, some of which are: money, government policies, banking facilities, inertia and insurance.