§1The market
The Fort Smith, AR-OK metropolitan statistical area had 6 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 94th by count.
The metro area spans AR, OK, so its plants are not all in Arkansas; compare with the state pages for each.
The count was unchanged from 2020.
BLS disclosed employment of 157 for 2021, with average annual pay of $31,185, against $34,484 statewide and $46,804 nationally.
2 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 | 6 | 144 | $30,750 |
| 2021 | 6 | 157 | $31,185 |
| 2022 | 5 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 6 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2024 | 6 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 6 plants, the Fort Smith, 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: Fayetteville, AR (10), Little Rock, AR (8).
Larger metro clusters in neighbouring states: Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (50), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (44).