Dani,
Not a dumb question at all. I work in a “tool and die” shop. A definition would be; a shop which builds specialized “tools” and “machines” for various industries. These various industries, then in turn, use those tools and machines to produce, assemble and or package their product for the consumer.
As an example; we have built equipment used to make toothbrushes, TV dish antennas, washing machines, motorcycle parts, etc.
We have built equipment that is used to dispense medical pills and other machines to package sterile medical instruments.
We build equipment directly for NASA. This equipment is used to transport the rockets that will be sent up in space on the upcoming Mars missions.
We have a worldwide customer base and each project is different and a challenge. This is one of the reasons I enjoy my work, even though it can be stressful at times.
PS. Tom, Math and Trig is my middle name. :>) :>) Oh, and we have built equipment for the outboard motor industry as well. Specifically a machine to produce a lower unit housing for XYZ Corp.