Coca-Cola UNITED is celebrating the start of its $330 million Alabama growth project

“Birmingham has been our home for 122 years and Birmingham will remain our home in the future,” he added.

Governor Kay Ivey highlighted the company’s history of growth and praised its unwavering commitment to Alabama.

“As we stand on this site today, it is important to recognize Coca-Cola’s journey here in Alabama – with what began as a mule-drawn wagon to this future state-of-the-art facility,” said Governor Ivey. “This new campus will create jobs and secure existing ones, further stimulating our economy.

“It’s through strong relationships that we’ve reached this defining moment and I’m proud that the community here has made it easy for Coca-Cola United to continue to call Birmingham home,” she added.

The governor concluded his remarks at the inauguration with a call to action.

“Now let’s celebrate by throwing some dirt and drinking some Coke,” she said.

“NOT TO BE USED GATEWAY”

Billed as a gateway to Birmingham, the new facility will be located at the former Stockham Valves and Fittings site on 40th Street North and will be highly visible to drivers passing along Interstate 20/59.

The new facility will house Coca-Cola’s Birmingham sales center and warehouse, as well as Coca-Cola UNITED’s Corporate, Central Region and North Alabama Division headquarters. The company’s Classic Food and Vending group, customer solutions center and service department will also be housed in the facility.

The the project was officially announced in May. Construction of the new facility is scheduled to take approximately three years.

“Coca-Cola UNITED’s magnificent new facility will be an unforgettable gateway to the Magic City and will send a strong message that Birmingham is a great place to build a long-term business,” said Ellen McNair, secretary of the Department of Commerce in Alabama.

A COCA-COLA TOAST

At the event, Coca-Cola UNITED Chairman of the Board Conrad Rafield led the crowd in a Coca-Cola toast to mark the occasion, invoking the company’s core values ​​of family, service and community.

Joining Rafield on stage during the toast were Coca-Cola UNITED Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors and former President and CEO John Sherman, as well as Coca-Cola Birmingham associates with over 40 years of service to the company.

“We believe that the communities we serve are not just our neighbors, but an integral part of our Coca-Cola UNITED family,” Rafield said. “We are committed to supporting and growing together for many years to come.”

Other speakers at the event included Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Birmingham District 4 City Councilman JT Moore, Jefferson County Commission Chairman Pro-Tem Joe Knight and Jefferson County District 1 Commissioner Lashunda Scales.