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Distribution

Located midway between the northern and southern U.S., Washington County’s location, convenient interstate access, and abundant, hardworking labor force make it a popular choice for distribution centers. Over 40% of the U.S. population is located within a day’s drive of the County. In addition to its convenient and efficient highway system, the region is connected by rail, air, and sea.

Washington County is one of only a handful of Virginia counties that do not levy a Business License Tax (BPOL) or a Merchant’s Capital Tax.

Learn More about Tax Advantages

Interesting Facts

Workforce

Over 10,000 workers are employed in Transportation and Material Moving Occupations across the Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol TN/VA metro area.

Occupational Wages

The average annual wage for warehousing and storage businesses located across the Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol TN/VA MSA is $33,903, a wage which is over 20% lower than the national industry sector average. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2018).

Key Washington County Employers

Keeping Plates and Glasses Full – Washington County is home to several companies which play important roles in regional and domestic food systems.  Large employers include food retail distribution centers, agricultural product warehousing, and beverage distribution.

CompanyProduct/Service
Food City Distribution CenterGrocery Distribution
Dutt & Wagner of VirginiaEgg and Food Product Distribution
Universal CompaniesSpa Product Distribution
Blue Ridge BeverageBeverage Distribution

Business Spotlight

Dutt & Wagner, located in Washington County since 1935, is a 4th generation family business which helps to position Washington County as Virginia’s leading egg producer.  In addition to egg production Dutt & Wagner is a distributor of a wide range of food products which serve national accounts and independently-owned businesses.

Ranked amongst the nation’s largest privately-held companies (Forbes #191)
K-VA-T/Food City grocery stores operate both corporate headquarters and distribution facilities in Washington County.  At present, the company’s distribution center features over 1,000,000 square feet and employees over 800 individuals.

Founded in nearby Bristol in 1982, Universal Companies began operations in Washington County’s Oak Park: Center for Business and Industry during the early 2000’s.  The leading single-source supplier to the spa and wellness industry, Universal Companies serves over 30,000 domestic and international clients.  In addition to distribution, Universal Companies houses its corporate headquarters and customer support services within the community. 

Workforce

Distribution centers have access to an abundant supply of workers in the Kingsport-Bristol-Bristol TN-VA MSA. (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019).  

  • Heavy and Tractor Trailer Truck Drivers – 1,750 Employees
  • Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand – 2,270 Employees
  • Packers and Packagers, Hand – 300 Employees
  • Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators – 390 Employees

Comparative Wages for Distribution Occupations

OccupationKingsport-Bristol-Bristol, TN-VA MSANew York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA MSAWashington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV MSACharlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC MSAHarrisburg-Carlisle, PA MSAU.S. Average
Laborers and Freight, Stock and Material Movers, Hand$13.61$16.79$15.21$14.14$16.17$15.45
Packers and Packapagers, Hand$10.80$13.81$14.76$12.22$14.77$13.31
Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators$19.09$20.38$20.93$16.96$18.84$18.24
Transportation, Storage and Distribution Managers$41.17$59.96$58.34$54.36$48.04$49.67

 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2019)