§1The market
The Jackson, TN metropolitan statistical area had 9 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 6% of Tennessee's 142. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 59th by count.
That is up from 3 in 2020 (+200.0%).
BLS disclosed employment of 37 for 2020, with average annual pay of $25,431, against $37,858 statewide and $43,078 nationally.
2 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) were also counted in the metro in 2024.
Diesel in the Midwest (PADD 2) region averaged $6.344 a gallon in October 2026 (EIA), the freight context for deliveries here.
§2By year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 3 | 37 | $25,431 |
| 2021 | 3 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2022 | 3 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2023 | 3 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
| 2024 | 9 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 9 plants, the Jackson, TN 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 Tennessee: Nashville, TN (24), Memphis, TN (20), Knoxville, TN (16), Chattanooga, TN (6), Johnson City, TN (5).