What term describes a large building where machinery is used to manufacture goods?

The term that describes a large building where machinery is used to manufacture goods is "factory." Factories emerged during the Industrial Revolution as centers of production and represent a shift from craftsmanship to mechanized manufacturing. They allowed for mass production, utilizing specialized machinery and labor division, significantly increasing efficiency and output compared to earlier methods, which often took place in smaller workshops or home-based settings.

While "mill" can refer to a specific type of factory, often associated with the processing of materials like grain or textiles, it does not broadly encompass all forms of machinery-based manufacturing. Both "plant" and "warehouse" have different meanings; a plant generally refers to a facility that produces or processes materials but may not specifically focus on manufacturing goods with machinery, whereas a warehouse is primarily a storage space for goods rather than a place for their production. The term "factory" thus accurately captures the essence of the industrial manufacturing process initiated during this transformative period.