§1The market
The Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN metropolitan statistical area had 24 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 17% of Tennessee's 142. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 20th by count.
That is up from 20 in 2020 (+20.0%).
BLS disclosed employment of 339 for 2023, with average annual pay of $49,770, against $48,324 statewide and $52,196 nationally.
21 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) were also counted in the metro in 2024.
Diesel in the Midwest (PADD 2) region averaged $6.344 a gallon in October 2026 (EIA), the freight context for deliveries here.
§2By year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 20 | 277 | $39,977 |
| 2021 | 21 | 284 | $41,999 |
| 2022 | 24 | 342 | $48,847 |
| 2023 | 24 | 339 | $49,770 |
| 2024 | 24 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 24 plants, the Nashville, TN area can usually support a local RFQ with several bidders inside a short delivery radius. An establishment is a location, not a company, so two plants may belong to one supplier.
Other metro areas in Tennessee: Memphis, TN (20), Knoxville, TN (16), Jackson, TN (9), Chattanooga, TN (6), Johnson City, TN (5).