Mississippi’s Northwest region is a powerhouse for the logistics and distribution industry on the Mississippi River. Located within 500 miles of 70% of the nation’s population, Memphis, just north of Mississippi’s northern border, is the distribution capital of the United States. Touching five counties, including DeSoto, Tunica, Tate, Marshall and Benton, the Northwest Mississippi region is home to a skilled workforce serving various industries.
Northwest Mississippi region is a central North American access point with multimodal transportation advantages. The Memphis International Airport, the UPS Hub, 5 class 1 rail providers, and the Port of Memphis are easily accessible, allowing products to get to market quickly.
DeSoto County is home to over 150 fulfillment centers. Companies like Williams-Sonoma, Milwaukee Electric Tool, Synnex, McKesson have operated vital distribution facilities in DeSoto County for years. While tech giants Google and Amazon have recently invested in the region as well. Amazon launched its first facility in Mississippi in Byhalia, Marshall County, in 2019 and a new fulfillment center this August in Olive Branch. Google selected Southaven for its 60,000-sq.-ft. call center, which is expected to open this summer.
In addition to its well-known logistical advantages, the region is attracting investment in sectors ranging from biomedical, e-commerce, food and beverage, material handling automation, primary metals and petrochemical manufacturing. In 2020, according to the DeSoto County Economic Development Council, nine companies expanded their presence in the area creating 2,942 new jobs, representing $590 million in industrial investments.
Communities like Southaven, Hernando, Horn Lake and Olive Branch offer an affordable quality of life and ease of access to the Memphis metro area. Olive Branch earned the No. 35 spot in Money Magazine’s “2020 Best Places to Live in the U.S.”
