§1The market
The Reading, PA metropolitan statistical area had 6 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 3% of Pennsylvania's 191. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 100th by count.
That is down from 8 in 2020 (−25.0%).
BLS disclosed employment of 65 for 2024, with average annual pay of $48,599, against $52,541 statewide and $53,506 nationally.
4 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 | 8 | 62 | $41,954 |
| 2021 | 7 | 59 | $45,237 |
| 2022 | 7 | 64 | $48,305 |
| 2023 | 6 | 70 | $47,344 |
| 2024 | 6 | 65 | $48,599 |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 6 plants, the Reading, PA 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 Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, PA (34), Pittsburgh, PA (30), Scranton, PA (12), Erie, PA (9), Harrisburg, PA (8), Lancaster, PA (8), York, PA (8), Allentown, PA (7).