§1The market
The Columbia, SC metropolitan statistical area had 7 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 11% of South Carolina's 66. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 79th by count.
That is down from 8 in 2020 (−12.5%).
BLS disclosed employment of 137 for 2023, with average annual pay of $37,711, against $42,050 statewide and $52,196 nationally.
4 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 | 8 | 140 | $27,643 |
| 2021 | 8 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2022 | 8 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 7 | 137 | $37,711 |
| 2024 | 7 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 7 plants, the Columbia, SC 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 South Carolina: Greenville, SC (12), Florence, SC (6), Spartanburg, SC (6).
Larger metro clusters in neighbouring states: Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA (43).