New Geography in Action Junior Cycle Geography Raw Materials
( Figure 8.1 The factors that influence factory location
Transport facilities
Choice of factory location
Markets Labour force Other factors
Services Raw materials
If the raw materials needed by a factory are big and heavy (e.g. steel), the factory may need to be located close to them to make the transportation of the raw materials easier and less expensive. If raw materials are small and light, transportation is not as difficult or expensive.
Markets
: Figure 8.2 Copper is an important raw material in the electronics and construction industries
Markets are where factories sell their products. Factories located close to their markets can transport their products quickly and they have lower transportation costs. For example in Ireland, many companies locate near Dublin because of the large market.
: Figure 8.3 The countries of the European Union are a market for Ireland’s beef and dairy products
Transport facilities
All factories need to transport their finished products to the market. If the products are to be sold in the same country as they are made, then good road or rail transport is required. If the company is exporting products it may also need to be close to an airport or a port. This reduces transportation costs and makes the movement of goods faster.
Labour force
A factory’s labour force are the people who work in the factory. Factories must be built where there are enough workers, usually near towns and cities. Some factories may locate next to universities or colleges if they need highly skilled graduates. Boston Scientific is located in Galway for this reason.
: Figure 8.5 Workers in a clothing factory 124
: Figure 8.4 Train carrying cargo in containers that have arrived at a port by ship
