14% of the Covington County Workforce is employed in Manufacturing

Manufacturing is one of the largest industries in Covington County, Alabama, accounting for 14% of the workforce (totalling 2,136 workers). Residents who work in manufacturing have a median annual income of $69,895, which affords a high quality of life due to the region’s low cost of living.  

“Our manufacturers cover several industries ranging from residential flooring to military uniforms,” says Jacob Morgan, President and CEO of the Covington County Economic Development Commission (EDC). “Each year, more companies discover the value of operating in Southeast Alabama and choose the business-friendly climate of Covington County.”

As we turn to the new year of 2026, now is a great time to review the impact of manufacturing on the county as a whole. Learn why manufacturing is such an asset to Covington County and how your organization can succeed here. 

Covington County Brings 4,232 People in for Work Daily 

Economic development is a regional effort, which means multiple counties benefit when businesses come to town. In Covington County, 42.6% of the workforce lives and works here, while 24.4% of workers live elsewhere and commute here for work. Employees travel from the six counties surrounding Covington, from Houston County, and as far as the two counties surrounding Mobile.

While Covington County has a population of 37,490, it has a significantly larger labor pool, considering the number of people who could easily commute from the surrounding area. Research indicates that 288,000 workers live within a 45-minute drive of Covington County.

The same study found that most people are willing to drive at least 45 minutes to Covington County, with a current average commute time of 24 minutes. Some people are willing to drive up to 90 minutes for a good job.

Manufacturers relocating to the region have access to a large and skilled workforce to hire from. Many people are eager to advance their careers with new employers. 

Southeast Alabama is in a Great Location for Manufacturers 

While hiring continues to be one of the biggest pain points for employers, companies still need to establish their operations with location in mind. Southern Alabama has one of the best locations in the United States, with easy access to the country and ample transportation infrastructure. Here are a few benefits manufacturers enjoy when they choose Covington County:

• Access to the rest of the nation: it’s easy to travel up the Eastern seaboard or across the south to Texas within a day or two of driving. 
  Interstate access: easily connect to the rest of the country via I-10 and I-65. Regional highways can also connect you to other main roads. 
• Nearby ports: the Alabama State Port and Panama City Port Authority are both less than 125 miles from Covington County. This is ideal for shipping and receiving goods through the Gulf. 
• Rail: take advantage of the nearby Genesee & Wyoming track that connects to CSX Transportation.
• Air: choose to fly into South Alabama Regional Airport or any of the eight nearby airports within 250 miles. Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta has multiple flights to Dothan, Montgomery, Mobile, and Pensacola each day.  

Manufacturers can also work closely with various military bases surrounding Covington County. They can easily provide products to Fort Rucker, Eglin Air Force Base, Tyndall Air Force Base, Maxwell Air Force Base, and NAS Pensacola. 

Manufacturers are in Good Company Here

Manufacturing companies considering Covington County can join other firms that have discovered the dedicated workforce and business-friendly climate of Southeast Alabama. A few notable manufacturers that call this region home include:

• Shaw Industries: a carpet manufacturer with more than 1,050 employees. 
• American Apparel Inc: a company with 200 employees that makes military uniforms. 
• Huhtamaki, Inc: a food manufacturing company with 90 workers. 
• Saehaesung: a manufacturer of automobile parts with 80 workers.
• Clark Trailers: a producer of trailers that employs 35 people. 
• Henderson Sewing Machines: a company with a team of 30.

This is just a starting point. Covington County is an increasingly popular destination for biotechnology manufacturing and product development. The presence of HudsonAlpha and companies like Simplot underscores the region's readiness to embrace new industries. 

Choose Covington County for Your Manufacturing Future 

Our team at the Covington County EDC enjoys supporting local manufacturers because it allows us to look at the various employers who choose this region and the opportunities for future growth. Many businesses have flourished because of the loyal workers and dedicated community leaders in Covington County. There’s plenty of room for new investment, fresh industries, and resident job training.

Plan your visit to Covington County today. Reach out and let us put something together.