§1The market
The Rochester, NY metropolitan statistical area had 11 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 12% of New York's 94. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 49th by count.
That is down from 13 in 2020 (−15.4%).
BLS disclosed employment of 154 for 2023, with average annual pay of $45,940, against $54,647 statewide and $52,196 nationally.
10 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) were also counted in the metro in 2024.
Diesel in the Central Atlantic (PADD 1B) region averaged $6.490 a gallon in October 2026 (EIA), the freight context for deliveries here.
§2By year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 193 | $37,121 |
| 2021 | 14 | 176 | $40,575 |
| 2022 | 13 | 152 | $41,829 |
| 2023 | 11 | 154 | $45,940 |
| 2024 | 11 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 11 plants, the Rochester, NY 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 New York: New York, NY (61), Buffalo, NY (10), Albany, NY (7), Syracuse, NY (6).