A recent study from The National Wooden Pallet & Container Association (NWPCA) found that the wooden pallet and container manufacturing industry has a direct or indirect impact on more than 173,000 jobs and generates a total economic impact of US$31 billion in economic activity. The study titled “Economic Analysis of the U.S. Wooden Pallet and Container Industry” illustrates the far reaching positive effects of the industry.

“The wood packaging industry is more than just wood and nails. We are tightly interwoven in urban and rural communities, working with other industries to supply materials, parts, as well as financial, IP and logistics, both nationally and globally,” said Larry Howell, NWPCA 2018 Chair and President of Cottondale Wood Products based in Alabama.

“Our products truly move the world by bringing goods to all homes and businesses,” added Howell.

Key Findings

• Direct or indirect impact on more than 173,000 jobs and generates an economic impact of US$31 billion. Total impacts of $35.1 billion to the U.S. economy and employment of 197,300 jobs
• Labor compensation reached $3 billion; robust growth has outpaced job gains, indicating higher average wages
• Direct output exceeded $10.7 billion, the highest level of output since 2007
• Production levels increased 4% per year from 2009-2016, outpacing the overall economy.

According to NWPCA President/CEO Brent McClendon, “The research was undertaken to highlight the impressive impact that our industry has in this very complex value chain. We now have the critical data that shows the continued expansion of the industry and has the potential to inform policies that create jobs and support local communities. We’re proud of the role wood packaging plays for economic growth.”

The research was funded by the Pallet Foundation and conducted by the Manufacturing Institute’s Center for Manufacturing Research in partnership with INFORUM. The full report is available here.

The Study

• Economic Impact Study (Final report)
• Economic Impact (National and by State)

The information is complied from data provided by NAMs Center for Manufacturing Research in partnership with Inforum, and data from similar research on hardwood products conducted by the Hardwood Federation.

The final report was prepared for NWPCA on September 7, 2018. The research was funded by the Pallet Foundation.

For more information about the report, please contact:

Chad Moutray, PhD, CBE
NAM Chief Economist and Director
Center for Manufacturing Research
(202) 637-3148