Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated – the maker, bottler and distributor of Coca-Cola products to 14 states in the Mid-South – will expand its West Memphis, Arkansas, production facility and transfer some 60 jobs to it, nearly doubling its current workforce. The firm’s separate Memphis transportation and logistics facility will remain in Memphis, according to company officials, where it currently employs about 300.
“When an iconic American company like Coca-Cola continues to invest in Arkansas, we know we’re doing things right,” said Gov. Asa Hutchinson. “Jobs for skilled workers that pay higher wages are important to the Delta, and we applaud Coca-Cola for making the right choice for workforce, community and location.”
Mayor Marco McClendon said, “Coca-Cola has been a valued business partner in this community for a number of years, and we are excited they have chosen to expand in West Memphis.”
The company will invest $33 million into the 200,000-square-foot expansion. Officials indicated the move was driven by the need to grow the facility and the lack of industrial space at its current facility, which will reportedly close in late 2020.
“This expansion is welcome news for our partners in West Memphis and Crittenden County, the crossroads for the U.S. transportation industry,” said Arkansas Economic Development Commission Executive Director Mike Preston. “We look forward to working with Coca-Cola to finalize the details for more jobs and millions of dollars of investment.”
West Memphis Economic Development Director Phillip Sorrell said, “We are pleased to have a recognized company like Coca-Cola make this investment in our city. It is quite meaningful when an existing business chooses to expand in your community, and we look forward to our continued partnership.”