§1The market
West Virginia had 15 private establishments in NAICS 321920, wood container and pallet manufacturing, in the 2025 annual average, 0.5% of the U.S. total of 3,143. That ranks 39th of the 50 states with QCEW data for the industry.
That is up 25.0% from 12 in 2020, against +5.8% nationally.
Employment averaged 302 in 2025 (−6.5% since 2020), at an average annual pay of $43,005, 20.8% below the industry's national average.
For raw material, West Virginia had 64 sawmill establishments (NAICS 321113) in 2025, employing 1,202 in 2025. Sawmills outnumber pallet plants in the state.
Pallet plants were recorded in 12 counties in 2025.
Freight context: retail diesel in the Lower Atlantic (PADD 1C) region averaged $5.744 a gallon in October 2026, +58.3% on a year earlier (EIA).
§2West Virginia by year
| Year | Plants | Employment | Average pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 12 | 323 | $29,380 |
| 2021 | 13 | 355 | $36,542 |
| 2022 | 13 | 385 | $37,627 |
| 2023 | 16 | 416 | $41,836 |
| 2024 | 16 | 395 | $43,536 |
| 2025 | 15 | 302 | $43,005 |
Sawmills (NAICS 321113) in West Virginia: 2020 78, 2021 80, 2022 75, 2023 75, 2024 67, 2025 64.
§3What it means for buyers
West Virginia's 15 plants give a workable in-state field, but a secondary supplier may need to come from a neighbouring state; Ohio has the most nearby capacity (189 plants).
States with a similar number of plants: New Hampshire (14), Maine (15), South Dakota (11), Connecticut (19).
Ask each bidder which plant will ship to you, and price delivery as its own line in the bid-leveling sheet.
§4Neighbouring states
| State | Plants | Average pay (latest disclosed) |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio | 189 | $51,124 |
| Pennsylvania | 189 | $53,952 |
| Kentucky | 85 | $56,370 |
| Virginia | 60 | $53,621 |
| Maryland | 23 | $62,160 |