§1The market
Maine had 15 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 0.5% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 38th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is down 11.8% from 17 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 366 in 2025 (−11.2% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $59,473, 9.5% above the industry's national average.
For raw material, Maine had 58 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 2,062 in 2023. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 7 counties in 2025.
Freight context: retail diesel in the New England (PADD 1A) region averaged $6.452 a gallon in October 2026, +63.5% on a year earlier (EIA).
§2Maine by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 | 412 | $41,212 |
| 2021 | 15 | 401 | $43,003 |
| 2022 | 15 | 378 | $51,879 |
| 2023 | 14 | 384 | $55,615 |
| 2024 | 14 | 373 | $58,500 |
| 2025 | 15 | 366 | $59,473 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Maine: 2020 65, 2021 64, 2022 64, 2023 64, 2024 61, 2025 58.
§3What it means for buyers
Maine's 15 plants give a workable in-state field, but a secondary supplier may need to come from a neighbouring state; New Hampshire has the most nearby capacity (14 plants).
States with a similar number of plants: West Virginia (15), Connecticut (19), New Hampshire (14), Colorado (21).
Ask each bidder which plant will ship to you, and price delivery as its own line in the bid-leveling sheet.
§4Neighbouring states
| State | Plants | Average pay (latest disclosed) |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | 14 | $49,466 |