In McMinnville, Tennessee, growth isn’t just a seasonal event, it’s a way of life. Known as the Nursery Capital of the World, this thriving community in Warren County is home to over 400 growers who ship their products to every corner of North America. But beyond its deep agricultural roots, McMinnville offers something equally compelling for today’s businesses: a model of how tradition, innovation and scale can work together to drive economic success.
A Legacy Built on Growth
Founded in the early 19th century and named after former Tennessee Governor Joseph McMinn, the city has long served as the commercial and cultural center of Warren County. Its early development was shaped by agriculture, local trade and its strategic location along transportation routes that connected rural producers to broader markets. Over time, that foundation evolved into something far more specialized.
For generations, McMinnville’s fertile soil, favorable climate and skilled workforce have made it a natural hub for nursery production. What began as small, family-run operations in the late 1800s and early 1900s steadily expanded into a nationally recognized industry. Today, that legacy continues with hundreds of family-owned and commercial nurseries cultivating everything from ornamental trees to shrubs and perennials.
The scale of that success is substantial. According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture County Profile, Warren County ranked No. 1 among Tennessee’s 95 counties in nursery, greenhouse, floriculture and sod production, accounting for nearly $75 million in sales in that sector alone.
This concentration of expertise has created more than just an agricultural cluster, it has built a resilient ecosystem of suppliers, logistics providers and skilled labor. In McMinnville, businesses don’t just operate, they plug into a network designed for efficiency and growth.
From Agricultural Roots to Economic Diversification
While agriculture laid the groundwork, McMinnville has continually adapted to meet the demands of a changing economy. Throughout the 20th century, the city expanded its industrial base, adding manufacturing and distribution capabilities that complemented its agricultural strengths. That evolution reflects a broader pattern of steady, intentional development, building on what works while embracing new opportunities.
Today, that same spirit of adaptability positions McMinnville as more than an agricultural leader. It is a community that understands how to scale operations, support industry and foster long-term economic resilience.
Experience High Volume in Action
Tennessee’s new economic development brand, Experience High Volume, reflects the state’s ability to deliver at scale, and McMinnville exemplifies that promise.
Here, high volume isn’t abstract. It’s measured in acres under cultivation, millions of plants shipped worldwide and generations of knowledge passed down and continuously refined. The same infrastructure that supports large-scale nursery production, transportation access, distribution expertise and a dependable workforce, translates seamlessly to other industries seeking to grow and scale.
The nursery industry’s impact extends far beyond Warren County. According to the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture, the wholesale nursery sector generates more than $430 million annually in expenditures, payroll and net returns. When growers and retailers are combined, the industry contributes nearly $965 million annually to Tennessee’s economy.
A Strategic Location for Expanding Businesses
Located within reach of major Southeast markets, McMinnville provides access without congestion. Its proximity to key interstates, rail lines and regional logistics hubs ensures that products, and businesses, can move quickly and efficiently.
The region is also home to a growing base of advanced manufacturing and automotive suppliers that reinforce its business appeal. Global companies like Bridgestone, with a significant presence nearby, and Yorozu Automotive Tennessee, which operates in McMinnville, highlight the area’s strength in high-volume production and precision manufacturing. These employers, along with others, demonstrate the region’s ability to attract and sustain world-class operations.
Coupled with Tennessee’s pro-business environment and strong workforce pipeline, McMinnville positions companies to scale with confidence.
Rooted in Community, Ready for the Future
What sets McMinnville apart is not just what it produces, but how it grows. The same collaborative spirit that shaped its early development, from a small county seat to a nationally recognized agricultural hub, continues to guide its future. Local leaders, educational institutions and industry partners work together to support workforce development, innovation and long-term success.
That commitment is reinforced by strong local training and education resources. TCAT McMinnville provides hands-on, career-focused training aligned with regional industry needs, while Motlow State Community College offers accessible pathways to higher education and workforce advancement. Together, these institutions help ensure a steady pipeline of skilled talent ready to meet the demands of both established and emerging industries.
The industry’s continued success also reflects Tennessee’s broader strength in nursery production. In 2022, Tennessee nursery products generated more than $200 million in sales, ranking the state 14th nationally for greenhouse and nursery product market value. Nursery products also contribute approximately $285 million in annual cash receipts to Tennessee’s economy each year.
As industries evolve, McMinnville remains adaptable, grounded in its heritage, yet forward-looking in its approach to growth.
Because here, growth doesn’t just happen. It’s cultivated, scaled and delivered.