Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) has officially broken ground on an $85 million investment to its Macon, Georgia facility as announced in December. Coca-Cola UNITED will expand its Macon Coca-Cola warehouse by approximately 260,000 square feet, as well as install the leading-edge Vertique warehousing system that is among the most advanced in the beverage industry.  

“We are proud to call Mayor [Lester] Miller, the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority, and other local and state officials, partners in our work to better serve our associates, customers, and communities,” said Macon Coca-Cola Sales Center Manager Eddie Cummins. “This expansion will enable us to provide a higher level of service and is a tangible example of our commitment to Macon-Bibb and surrounding areas for years to come.” 

The investment into Coca-Cola UNITED’s Macon facility will focus on the expansion of the existing warehouse. This will include installing a state-of-the-art warehousing system, and optimizing distribution operations that will benefit associates, customers, and communities in the greater Macon area. The expansion is also expected to generate an estimated 50 new jobs added to the existing approximate 228.

“We’re honored that Coca-Cola Bottling Company United is leaning on our decades of industrial construction experience to expand this warehouse,” said Brasfield & Gorrie Vice President and Division Manager Michael Tortorici. “With more than 450 industrial projects under our belts, we’re energized by complex projects.” 

The facility serves 18 counties, and sells and distributes about 7.2 million cases of Coca-Cola products annually. 

“The impact Coca- Cola and other industries have on our city and state gives me a great sense of pride,” states Lester Miller, Mayor of Macon-Bibb County. “Working with Coca-Cola UNITED to expand their roots in our community shows our desire to have a business-friendly community that everyone can benefit from.”

Alongside local and state elected officials, community partners, and community leaders, the Coca-Cola Polar Bear was a special guest in attendance. A special “Cola-Cola toast” was the pinnacle of the event.