§1The market
The Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR metropolitan statistical area had 10 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 20% of Arkansas's 51. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 53rd by count.
That is down from 12 in 2020 (−16.7%).
BLS disclosed employment of 316 for 2021, with average annual pay of $32,244, against $34,484 statewide and $46,804 nationally.
9 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) were also counted in the metro in 2024.
Diesel in the Gulf Coast (PADD 3) region averaged $5.871 a gallon in October 2026 (EIA), the freight context for deliveries here.
§2By year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 | 298 | $30,040 |
| 2021 | 11 | 316 | $32,244 |
| 2022 | 11 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 11 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2024 | 10 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 10 plants, the Fayetteville, AR area has a small local field; invite bidders from the wider state as well, and compare delivered cost, not price at the plant. An establishment is a location, not a company, so two plants may belong to one supplier.
Other metro areas in Arkansas: Little Rock, AR (8), Fort Smith, AR (6).
Larger metro clusters in neighbouring states: Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (50), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (44).