Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated will create more than 430 full-time jobs as part of a $30 million investment to build a sales and distribution facility in Erlanger, Gov. Matt Bevin announced.
“Coca-Cola is one of the world’s most iconic brands, and we are grateful that Coca-Cola Consolidated is expanding their presence here in Kentucky,” said Gov. Bevin. “This new sales and distribution center will provide the company with immense logistical advantages, and the hundreds of jobs being created are welcome news to families in Erlanger and the surrounding communities. We look forward to continuing our work with Coca-Cola Consolidated and hope to see them further expand their footprint in Kentucky in the years ahead.”
Coke Consolidated will locate in a planned 300,000-square-foot facility on approximately 32 acres in Erlanger. Among the new jobs, positions will include distribution, sales and warehouse functions. Company leaders anticipate starting work as soon as possible and expect to open by late summer 2019.
Founded more than 116 years ago, Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest Coca-Cola bottler in the US. The company makes, sells and delivers beverages of The Coca-Cola Company and other partner companies in more than 300 brands and flavors to 65 million consumers in territories spanning 14 states and the District of Columbia. Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coke Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol COKE.
In Kentucky, Coca-Cola Consolidated currently operates four facilities employing 875 people in Louisville, Lexington, Paducah and Pikeville.
Sen. Christian McDaniel, of Taylor Mill, said the project sends a positive message to other businesses.
“This facility will be a great addition and we are happy for the trust that Coca-Cola Consolidated has in Kentucky,” Sen. McDaniel said. “Northern Kentucky’s potential is limitless considering a globally recognized brand is choosing to invest in our own back yard. Senate District 23 has proven to be an economic stimulant for the commonwealth and we look forward to the company’s future success.”
Rep. Adam Koenig, of Erlanger, welcomed the company to Northern Kentucky.
“Coca-Cola is an immensely popular brand recognized worldwide,” Rep. Koenig said. “I’m so thankful that Coca-Cola Consolidated has decided to establish roots in Erlanger and I’m certain that the plant will become a staple in the local economy in no time.”
Erlanger Mayor Tyson Hermes said the community stands ready to assist the company as a corporate partner.
“We are so excited to welcome Coca-Cola Consolidated, maker of the world’s best-known beverages, to the City of Erlanger,” Mayor Hermes said. “This reaffirms their commitment to refresh and strengthen local communities. It also reaffirms what we in Erlanger have known for a long time: Erlanger is an attractive location. Four years ago, we set out to make Erlanger an irresistible place to live and conduct business. By offering payroll tax incentives and four years of consecutive property tax rate decreases, we gain the attention of top corporations globally. We are thankful to Coca-Cola Consolidated, Al Neyer, Hillwood and Northern Kentucky Tri-ED for transforming the old Showcase Cinema site. Hundreds of employment opportunities are a blessing for our residents. We look forward to having a new community partner in 2019, and will work to ensure their experiences with the City of Erlanger are positive.”
Kenton County Judge-Executive Kris Knochelmann, who currently serves as board chair of Northern Kentucky Tri-ED, said the region has positioned itself to continue to attract businesses like Coke Consolidated.
“Northern Kentucky continues to be positioned as a logistics leader with the infrastructure, talent pools and location to support globally recognized companies like Coca-Cola Consolidated,” Judge-Executive Knochelmann said. “I am pleased that our competitive business climate will bring these jobs and investment to Kenton County.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in the community, the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) in June preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $3.5 million through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The incentives are based on a $12.4 million investment and creation of 303 jobs held by Kentucky taxpayers. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the agreement term through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets.
Coca-Cola also can receive resources from the Kentucky Skills Network. Through the Kentucky Skills Network, companies can receive no-cost recruitment and job placement services, reduced-cost customized training and job training incentives. In fiscal 2017, the Kentucky Skills Network provided training for more than 120,000 Kentuckians and 5,700 companies from a variety of industry sectors.
For more information on Coke Consolidated, visit www.CokeConsolidated.com.
A detailed community profile for Northern Kentucky can be viewed here.
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The Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development is the primary state agency responsible for encouraging new jobs and investment in the state. New capital investment announced in Kentucky in 2017 totaled a state record $9.2 billion, spurring more than 17,200 projected new jobs. Information on available industrial properties, workforce development assistance, incentive programs, community profiles, small business development and other economic development resources is available at www.ThinkKentucky.com.