The preservation of a production facility without using it to produce, but keeping the machinery in working order and supplies available. This may be preferable -- if the facility's operating costs are high and the aim is to have it available in time of war -- to having it produce in peacetime under a subsidy or import protection. See national defense argument.

The preservation of a production facility without using it to produce. Machinery in a mothballed facility is kept in working order so that production may be restored quickly if needed.