§1The market
The Mobile, AL metropolitan statistical area had 6 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 7% of Alabama's 82. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 98th by count.
That is up from 5 in 2020 (+20.0%).
BLS disclosed employment of 56 for 2024, with average annual pay of $34,788, against $49,318 statewide and $53,506 nationally.
7 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 | 67 | $28,583 |
| 2021 | 5 | 43 | $35,311 |
| 2022 | 6 | 53 | $34,524 |
| 2023 | 6 | 55 | $34,101 |
| 2024 | 6 | 56 | $34,788 |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 6 plants, the Mobile, AL 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 Alabama: Birmingham, AL (14), Montgomery, AL (8), Florence, AL (5), Huntsville, AL (5).