§1The market
The Knoxville, TN metropolitan statistical area had 16 private wood container and pallet manufacturing establishments (NAICS 321920) in the 2024 QCEW annual average, 11% of Tennessee's 142. Among the 128 metro areas with at least five such plants, it ranks 33rd by count.
That is up from 11 in 2020 (+45.5%).
BLS disclosed employment of 146 for 2023, with average annual pay of $51,270, against $48,324 statewide and $52,196 nationally.
11 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 | 11 | 127 | $35,386 |
| 2021 | 12 | 115 | $40,882 |
| 2022 | 12 | 113 | $45,365 |
| 2023 | 14 | 146 | $51,270 |
| 2024 | 16 | not disclosed | not disclosed |
BLS had not published 2025 metro-area figures when this page was built; state pages carry 2025.
§3Buying here
With 16 plants, the Knoxville, 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), Jackson, TN (9), Chattanooga, TN (6), Johnson City, TN (5).