Food & Beverage Intl. - Coca-Cola Opens 43rd China Plant

Coca-Cola Opens 43rd China Plant
By FBWorld Team

SHIJIAZHUANG, HEBEI, CHINA - The Coca-Cola Co. has expanded its presence in China with a new $106 million production plant. Coca-Cola's 43rd plant in China is part of a three-year, $4 billion investment in the country.

"Coca-Cola's investment in China is strategically important in achieving our 2020 Vision goals, and largely possible due to our partnerships with C.O.F.C.O. and our other bottling partners," said Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer. "This new plant in Shijiazhuang will help Coca-Cola create a lasting positive impact in the community and contribute to a sustainable future for the people of Hebei."

The facility will bottle sparkling and still beverage lines, including Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid, with plans for three additional lines installed over the next few years. The investment is expected to provide 2,000 jobs, as well as 20,000 indirect job opportunities for the local community.

With a population of more than 72 million, Hebei province represents a strategic growth market for Coca-Cola, generating more than 2.4 billion servings annually and delivering double-digit cumulative average annual growth since 2008. Coca-Cola has invested more than $5 billion in China since re-entering the market in 1979.