Mass production

Mass production, production of large numbers of identical objects, usually by use of mechanization. The root of mass production is the assembly line, essentially a conveyer belt that transports the product so that each worker may perform a single function on it (e.g., add a component). The advantages of mass production are cheapness and speed; the disadvantages are lack of job satisfaction for the workers and resultant sociological problems.

See also: Assembly line; Machine tool.