The secondary sector, also known as the industrial sector or the manufacturing sector, refers to the portion of the economy that involves the production and processing of goods. Synonyms for this term include the construction industry, the production sector, the fabrication sector and the factory sector. This sector is important to the economy, as it adds value to raw materials and creates employment opportunities for people with specialized skills and expertise. It is closely linked to the primary sector, which involves the extraction and production of raw materials, and the tertiary sector, which involves the provision of services to consumers and businesses. Together, these sectors form the backbone of modern economies.