The cement manufacturing factory at Ewekoro in Ogun State, Nigeria, is situated adjacent to limestone quarries. According to Alfred Weber's industrial location theory, which factor primarily determines the raw-material orientation of such weight-losing industries?
- The weight of the raw material is substantially greater than the weight of the finished product, making transport of raw materials more costly.Answer
- BThe finished product is fragile and perishable, requiring immediate distribution to nearby metropolitan markets.
- CThe production process gains weight by absorbing water and air, increasing shipment costs near the market.
- DIndustrial inertia forces manufacturing plants to remain at historical trading ports regardless of transport costs.
Answer
The weight of the raw material is substantially greater than the weight of the finished product, making transport of raw materials more costly.
Cement manufacturing is a classic weight-losing industry. Because raw limestone is bulkier and heavier than the refined cement produced from it, shipping raw limestone over long distances incurs high transport costs. Therefore, establishing the factory near the limestone deposit at Ewekoro minimizes total transportation expenses.
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Weight-losing raw material orientation in industrial location theory