Coca Cola Expansion

Posted January 2006

The Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company/United Packers has announced plans for a $19 million expansion that will add 36,000-square-feet to its Amnicola Highway plant. Construction began in October, 2005.

"This expansion, estimated to be completed in April, 2006, will allow us to add a new POWERade bottling line at the Chattanooga facility. This increased production capability will enable our dedicated team to produce millions more refreshing Coca-Cola products, which include Minute Maid juices," according to Stan Ellington, Vice President, United Packers, Inc.

"The history of Chattanooga and Coca-Cola are inextricably linked," said Gary Davis, Vice President – Chattanooga Division. "The world’s first Coca-Cola bottling company began its operation in Chattanooga over 105 years ago. We are delighted to continue the tradition of bottling Coca-Cola products in this community in which we have enjoyed such a mutually beneficial relationship."

The expansion is expected to create at least 27 new jobs. "One of our community’s economic development goals is to create higher-paying jobs for our workers," said Chattanooga Mayor Ron Littlefield. "Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company/United Packers’ wages for the new jobs are well above the Hamilton County average wage. They also offer a very generous benefits package, including a company-funded defined benefit retirement plan. These are the kinds of jobs that will allow our residents to lead more enjoyable lives and to look forward to a comfortable future."

"Coca-Cola is a legend in the world of business and our community is justly proud of our connection with Coca-Cola products enjoyed in every corner of the world," said Hamilton County Mayor Claude Ramsey. "We congratulate the company on its long history of success and on this latest expansion that will bring even more prosperity to our community."

"This announcement not only intensifies the long relationship between Coca-Cola and Chattanooga, it also continues the community’s rich manufacturing heritage, as a time-honored and global corporate citizen adds another production line to its facility, enabling the future bottling of millions more Coca-Cola products, as have been produced here since before the start of the 20th century." said Trevor Hamilton, Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce Vice President for Economic Development.

Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company/United Packers is part of Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (CCBCU), headquartered in Birmingham, AL. Known originally as the Crawford Johnson Company, United Coca-Cola was recognized as the "Best Bottling Company in 2003" by Beverage World Magazine. CCBCU has over 18 sales centers in 6 southeastern states. Claude Nielsen serves as Chairman and CEO.

The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading business and economic development organization for the Chattanooga region. For over 100 years, the Chattanooga Chamber has provided community engagement and opportunities for businesses, large and small, including networking, business promotion, business discounts, and public policy advocacy, as well as leadership development and training opportunities.

In addition, the Chattanooga Chamber is a one-stop-shop for site selectors and business decision-makers considering investments and job creation projects in the Chattanooga region. The Chattanooga Chamber is also responsible for marketing Enterprise South Industrial Park, a top-tier industrial park that offers significant strategic business advantages. In addition, the Chattanooga Chamber administers the Chattanooga Hamilton County Business Development Center, the largest business incubator in the U.S. in terms of the number of start up companies it houses, and the Center for Entrepreneurial Growth, an innovative effort to nurture technology-based start-up companies.

As the first stop for people interested in moving to the Chattanooga, the Chattanooga Chamber provides a range of relocation information including demographics, informational videos, connections to Chattanooga Area jobs, and frequently asked questions.