§1The market
Connecticut had 19 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 0.6% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 37th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is up 11.8% from 17 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 288 in 2025 (−3.7% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $51,324, 5.5% below the industry's national average.
For raw material, Connecticut had 12 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025. Pallet plants outnumber sawmills 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).
§2Connecticut by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 17 | 299 | $43,227 |
| 2021 | 17 | 295 | $46,437 |
| 2022 | 19 | 343 | $45,288 |
| 2023 | 19 | 329 | $49,020 |
| 2024 | 19 | 296 | $49,260 |
| 2025 | 19 | 288 | $51,324 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in Connecticut: 2020 13, 2021 13, 2022 13, 2023 13, 2024 12, 2025 12.
§3What it means for buyers
Connecticut's 19 plants give a workable in-state field, but a secondary supplier may need to come from a neighbouring state; New York has the most nearby capacity (95 plants).
Supply clusters in Hartford, CT; see the metro pages below.
States with a similar number of plants: Maine (15), Colorado (21), West Virginia (15), Nebraska (22).
Ask each bidder which plant will ship to you, and price delivery as its own line in the bid-leveling sheet.
§4Metro areas
| Metro area | Plants | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Hartford-West Hartford-East Hartford, CT | 6 | 89 |
§5Neighbouring states
| State | Plants | Average pay (latest disclosed) |
|---|---|---|
| New York | 95 | $58,674 |
| Massachusetts | 32 | $67,492 |
| Rhode Island | 5 | $49,234 |