A manufacturer is a business or entity that produces goods on a large scale using labor, machines, tools, and chemical or biological processing. They transform raw materials or components into finished products that are then distributed for sale to [[consumer|consumers]], [[wholesaler|wholesalers]], [[distributor|distributors]], [[systems integrator|systems integrators]], [[value-added reseller (VAR)|VARs]], [[retailer|retailers]], or other manufacturers. The manufacturing process typically involves various stages such as design, production planning, assembly, quality control, and packaging. Manufacturers play a crucial role in the supply chain by providing tangible products that meet consumer needs and drive economic activity.