Coca-Cola Co. opens its 43rd production plant in China
by Canadianmanufacturing.com Staff
The 170,000-square-meter plant bottles Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid.
SHIJIAZHUANG, HEBEI, China—The Coca-Cola Co. has opened its 43rd production facility in China and its first in Shijiazhuang, Hebei.
The US$106 million plant is part of a three-year, US$4 billion investment plan for 2012-2014 the company says underscores its continued confidence in and commitment to China.
“Coca-Cola’s investment in China is strategically important in achieving our 2020 Vision goals, and largely possible due to our partnerships with [state owned China National Cereals, Oils and Foodstuffs Corp. (COFCO)] and our other bottling partners,” said Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO.
The 170,000-square-meter (42 acres) plant begins bottling sparkling and still beverage lines, producing Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta, and Minute Maid. Three additional lines will be installed over the next few years.
With a population of more than 72 million and a per capita GDP of US$5,259, Hebei province has become one of the country’s most important growth markets.
The plant provides 2,000 jobs and generates 20,000 indirect job opportunities in the local community. The new Hebei plant reuses treated wastewater and replenishes water used back to the community.
