Industrial inventory in the county is projected to expand by nearly 10%
Industrial development across the Nashville, Tennessee, region has continued to gain momentum over the past two years, with Wilson County emerging as the primary center of new construction activity. Nearly half of all industrial projects currently underway in the metropolitan area are located within the county.
Out of approximately 12.8 million square feet of industrial space under construction throughout the Nashville market, about 5.6 million square feet is being developed in Wilson County. This level of activity places the county among the nation’s leading industrial submarkets, ranking fifth for construction volume among areas with at least 50 million square feet of existing industrial inventory.
During the first quarter of 2026, Wilson County accounted for as much as 56% of Nashville’s total industrial construction pipeline. That share declined slightly after the completion of a 1.2 million-square-foot distribution facility in Lebanon. The newly completed property, situated within Earhart Industrial Park east of Highway 109, is currently available for lease.
Another significant project reached completion during the second quarter when a 542,000-square-foot industrial facility opened in Mount Juliet. The building is occupied by Schneider Electric and supports the manufacturing and distribution of customized power distribution equipment.
Large Distribution Centers Continue to Drive Growth
Wilson County’s development pipeline is heavily concentrated in large-scale logistics and warehouse facilities. Of the 14 industrial buildings currently under construction, seven exceed 500,000 square feet, while all but one measure more than 180,000 square feet.
The largest active project is a 757,000-square-foot distribution facility being developed within Cedar Tree Farm Industrial Park in Lebanon. The 298-acre business park is designed to accommodate approximately 2 million square feet of industrial and distribution space and is strategically located near the intersection of Highways 109 and 70. Construction of the facility is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2027.
Another major project underway is the Central Pike Logistics Center in Lebanon. The development will include two industrial buildings totaling approximately 1.1 million square feet. The larger building, covering nearly 725,000 square feet, is scheduled for completion during the fourth quarter of this year.
Geography Provides a Competitive Advantage
Wilson County has grown into Nashville’s second-largest industrial hub, with an existing inventory of approximately 58 million square feet. Its strategic location, strong transportation network, and favorable land conditions continue to attract developers seeking large-scale industrial opportunities.
Market participants note that Nashville has some of the highest industrial rental rates in the Southeast, largely because construction costs are elevated by the region’s rocky terrain and extensive limestone formations. Wilson County offers a significant advantage, as much of its developable land lacks those geological challenges, making construction more efficient and cost-effective.
Most current development activity is concentrated east of Highway 109 and north of Interstate 40, particularly around Mount Juliet and Lebanon, where land conditions are more suitable for industrial construction. In contrast, the county’s southwestern areas have seen little new development due to their rockier landscape.
Transportation infrastructure also strengthens Wilson County’s appeal for logistics operators. The area offers direct access to Interstate 40 while providing convenient connections to Interstates 24, 65, and 840, allowing efficient distribution throughout the Southeast and Midwest. Businesses also benefit from close proximity to Nashville International Airport and regional rail networks, further enhancing the county’s position as a growing logistics and distribution center.
Source: Original reporting by Toby Jorgensen, CoStar News.
