§1The market
The Lakeland-Winter Haven, FL metropolitan statistical area had 12 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 11% of Florida's 106. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 45th by count.
That is down from 13 in 2020 (−7.7%).
BLS disclosed employment of 466 for 2024, with average annual pay of $62,324, against $56,323 statewide and $53,506 nationally.
1 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) were also counted in the metro in 2024.
Diesel in the Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) region averaged $5.744 a gallon in October 2026 (EIA), the freight context for deliveries here.
§2By year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 13 | 556 | $49,220 |
| 2021 | 12 | 482 | $51,201 |
| 2022 | 12 | 527 | $59,165 |
| 2023 | 13 | 514 | $61,345 |
| 2024 | 12 | 466 | $62,324 |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 12 plants, the Lakeland, FL 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 Florida: Miami, FL (29), Tampa, FL (18), Orlando, FL (12), Jacksonville, FL (10).