Coca-Cola Consolidated invests US$25M in US facility 

US – Coca-Cola Consolidated has invested US$25 million in its production facility located in Arkansas, US., aimed at enhancing its capacity and bottling production capabilities.  

This investment has facilitated the installation of a new bottling line, marking the fourth line at the facility, which will increase its annual production capacity from 26 million to 29 million cases. 

The West Memphis site will also be equipped with blow mold production equipment, allowing for the manufacturing of plastic bottles on-site.  

Rather than transporting pre-made plastic bottles, the facility will now receive smaller pieces of 100% recycled plastic, known as “preforms.” These preforms can be expanded into full bottles, thereby streamlining the production process and further promoting sustainability. 

Coca-Cola Consolidated has emphasized its commitment to producing “new lighter-weight” packaging and innovative bottle designs at the Arkansas facility.  

The company announced that its popular products, including Coca-Cola, Fanta, and Fresca, will now be packaged in a consistent design known as the Harmony bottle, enhancing brand uniformity across its product lineup. 

Steve Funderburke, Vice President of Manufacturing at Coca-Cola Consolidated, expressed enthusiasm for the expansion, stating, “We’re excited to grow in West Memphis. This investment in our teammates and production capabilities is a long-term commitment to improving how we serve the world’s best brands and flavors to our communities.” 

As part of this expansion, Coca-Cola Consolidated plans to hire additional staff, including 14 operators, two mechanics, two quality control staff members, and a forklift driver, thereby contributing to local employment opportunities. 

Coca-Cola Consolidated operates as an independent bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola Company products across 14 states and the District of Columbia, servicing approximately 60 million customers annually in the southeastern, midwestern, and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States.  

The company manages ten manufacturing facilities and 60 distribution centers, in addition to distributing products for other brands, including Dr Pepper and Monster Energy. 

In the first half of its fiscal year ending June 28, 2024, Coca-Cola Consolidated reported net sales of US$3.4 billion, reflecting a 2.3 percent increase year-on-year, with gross profit rising 4.8 percent to US$1.4 billion.  

The company also reported an operating income of US$474.5 million, a growth of 7.9 percent compared to the previous year. 

In June, Coca-Cola announced plans to issue €1 billion (US$1.09 billion) in new debt, part of which will be allocated toward addressing ongoing tax litigation with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service related to a disputed US$2.7 billion in unpaid taxes, a figure that is projected to reach approximately US$6 billion when including interest. 

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