§1The market
The Hammond, LA metropolitan statistical area had 6 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 25% of Louisiana's 24. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 95th by count.
That is up from 5 in 2020 (+20.0%).
BLS disclosed employment of 163 for 2024, with average annual pay of $48,026, against $42,869 statewide and $53,506 nationally.
1 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 | 5 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2021 | 6 | 177 | $37,689 |
| 2022 | 6 | 189 | $43,327 |
| 2023 | 6 | 190 | $44,471 |
| 2024 | 6 | 163 | $48,026 |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 6 plants, the Hammond, LA 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 Louisiana: Monroe, LA (5).
Larger metro clusters in neighbouring states: Houston-Pasadena-The Woodlands, TX (50), Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX (44), Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos, TX (12).