Construction on a $19 million expansion of the Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Company/United Packers is expected to be completed this month. The project will add 36,000 square feet to the company’s Amnicola Highway plant.

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

"The history of Chattanooga and Coca-Cola are inextricably linked," says 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 which has supported us so generously."

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," says 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," says 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," says Trevor Hamilton, Chamber vice president for economic development. "We are delighted that a time-honored and global corporate citizen is adding another production line to its facility, continuing the production of Coca-Cola products that have been produced here since the 19th Century."