What does "industrial complex" mean?

A large factory or a concentration of industry in a limited geographical area.

What is a synonym for "industrial complex"?

Common synonyms include: industrial compound.

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Noun

1
A large factory or a concentration of industry in a limited geographical area.
"the Ruhr industrial complex"
2
A network of entwined interests between individuals and institutions in the private sector and the public sector resulting in coordination in order to achieve mutually beneficial results, especially to the detriment of broader society. in-compounds, usually
3
The individuals and institutions in such a relationship.

Back-formation from military–industrial complex.