§1The market
The Harrisburg-Carlisle, PA metropolitan statistical area had 8 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 4% of Pennsylvania's 191. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 67th by count.
That is up from 7 in 2020 (+14.3%).
BLS disclosed employment of 121 for 2022, with average annual pay of $45,569, against $49,961 statewide and $51,296 nationally.
11 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 | 7 | 121 | $33,567 |
| 2021 | 7 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2022 | 8 | 121 | $45,569 |
| 2023 | 8 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2024 | 8 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 8 plants, the Harrisburg, PA 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 Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, PA (34), Pittsburgh, PA (30), Scranton, PA (12), Erie, PA (9), Lancaster, PA (8), York, PA (8), Allentown, PA (7), Reading, PA (6).