§1The market
The Buffalo-Cheektowaga, NY metropolitan statistical area had 10 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 11% of New York's 94. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 52nd by count.
That is down from 11 in 2020 (−9.1%).
BLS disclosed employment of 204 for 2021, with average annual pay of $41,199, against $47,589 statewide and $46,804 nationally.
5 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 | 11 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2021 | 11 | 204 | $41,199 |
| 2022 | 10 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 10 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2024 | 10 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 10 plants, the Buffalo, NY 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 New York: New York, NY (61), Rochester, NY (11), Albany, NY (7), Syracuse, NY (6).