Coca-Cola Beverages Florida, LLC (Coke Florida) hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome associates, local elected officials, and community partners to its new St. Petersburg Sales and Distribution Center.
The 22,000-square-foot sales and distribution center represents a $10M investment by Coke Florida. It is intended to serve the company’s expanding customer base across St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and surrounding areas – now at more than 3,500 customers and growing.
Thomas Benford, Coke Florida’s President and Chief Operating Officer shared, “This is a significant step for Coke Florida - not only is this the first ground-up facility we have constructed, but it also represents a brick-and-mortar return to the St. Petersburg community. Our associates, many who live in Pinellas, are better positioned to partner with their customers and build stronger engagement with the community.”
The new facility, located at the corner of 16th Street North and 94th Avenue North, will enhance the overall associate and customer experience. Local government officials, business associates, and community partners shared in the milestone event for the family-owned company.
Charlie Justice, Chairman of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, provided remarks during the ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by over 150 guests. “This represents opportunities for the residents right here in Pinellas County. There’s going to be opportunities to build manufacturing careers, to learn warehousing, and sales. Good jobs are being created here, and it makes a huge difference for Pinellas County.”
Ron Brock, Coke Florida’s Territory General Manager for the new facility, shared his excitement for this milestone achievement. “I am proud of our impact on the local community prior to opening this facility. We are not new to the area; we are just moving into a new home as this community was previously serviced out of our Tampa facility. Building this facility from the ground up is an indication of Coke Florida’s commitment towards better serving our local customers; furthermore, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to the communities where we live, work, and play.”
Coke Florida has been very active in the area as an employer and in the activities that build a sense of community. Over the past two years, the company has partnered with local Boys and Girls Clubs and the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg to provide laptops to support educational efforts led by both organizations. Coke Florida also supports the Urban League of Pinellas County and its workforce development program. In July, Coke Florida partnered with Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to build a home for a deserving family.
Brandi Gabbard, Vice-Chair of the St. Petersburg City Council (District 2), shared, “[Coke Florida] is a shining example of what other businesses can do to emulate community support and collaboration. We want to welcome organizations like yours that share in a like-minded vision of sustainability, economic empowerment, and workforce education.”
Coke Florida employs over 4,800 associates across its 18 sales and distribution territories and four manufacturing facilities. More than 140 associates will work out of the facility in various roles, including CDL drivers, Sales Account Managers, Sales Merchandisers, and Warehouse staff.