I used to work in a factory several years ago, but I don't miss it now. Do you work in a factory?
A little over a decade ago I worked in a factory producing electric motors. Where I am from we call them "plants"
Yes, that's another word for them around here too. Guess it depends on who's talking about them. 
Our area has many different factories. Nuclear, chemical, and paper in a 50 mile radius. Those are just a few of the larger ones.
It seems you live in a large city....We don't have any of that time, but many manufacturing plants.
It is considered a "tri-city" over a "tri-state" area. The chemical factory actually has its own rail system because of the expanse and area of coverage.
Wow, that's pretty massive area. I'm sure it keeps the employment rate lower in that area then. 
Unemployment, believe it or not, is still an issue. The factories mostly work through temp to hire services and call in workers dependent on demand. It is really frustrating for a lot of people.
Yes, that can be very discouraging for workers that are searching for a permanent job. Another way to save on cost for the companies...at the employees expense.
The chemical plant itself is a marvel. It is very much like driving through a modern Gotham. Building size towers of pipes for the chemicals and so many operations held outdoors.