Final answer:
In a manufacturing firm, the Maintenance department is an example of a support department, providing essential services such as equipment upkeep for the production process. Option b.
Step-by-step explanation:
The support departments for a manufacturing firm are those that provide essential services to the production process but do not directly engage in the creation of the final product. Examples include departments that handle maintenance, payroll, human resources, and security. In the context of the question asked, the correct answer is b. The Maintenance department. While departments like assembly, packaging, and production are directly involved in the manufacturing process, the maintenance department provides necessary support by ensuring that equipment is functioning properly and safely, which is pivotal for the production departments to operate efficiently.