Coca-Cola Bottling Company United, Inc. (UNITED) announced today its plans to build a 300,000 square-feet sales center and warehouse in Tifton, Georgia.  The Birmingham, Ala.-based company will invest approximately $60 million in a state-of-the-art facility that will employ approximately 200 people and distribute roughly 4.5 million cases of non-alcoholic beverages to customers annually once the facility opens in late 2021.

“We are thrilled about our plans to build a new facility in Tifton as it will allow us to optimize our distribution network and better serve our customers for decades to come,” said John Sherman, president and CEO of Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, which is one of the country’s largest and oldest Coca-Cola bottlers.  “This decision is part of our company’s broader strategy to invest in our expanded footprint – which has more than tripled since 2014 -- to benefit our associates, our customers and our communities.”

The new facility – which will include a sales and distribution center, warehouse and office space – will serve as a hub to distribute products and services to customers and other smaller Coca-Cola sales facilities throughout South Georgia and parts of the Florida Panhandle. 

By the end of October, Coca-Cola UNITED plans to close on approximately 88 acres near Lamb Loop Road and U.S. Highway 41 South in Tifton. The property is located adjacent to I-75 North, which will provide great visibility to the attractive design of the facility and the brand Coca-Cola in the Tifton community.  Initial plans call for the development of 20 acres for the new sales center.  Site preparation and construction is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2020, with project completion by the end of 2021. 

“As one of our most beloved and deeply-rooted brands, any time the Coca-Cola system expands, it’s good news for the State of Georgia,” said Governor Brian P. Kemp. “I want to congratulate Coca-Cola UNITED on its plans to build this new, state-of-the-art facility. I am confident that our unrivaled workforce and expansive logistics network will ensure their continued success as they distribute Coca-Cola products throughout the Southeast from this new center in Tifton.”

“Great things are happening in Tifton, Georgia, and we are excited to welcome Coca-Cola UNITED to Tifton as our newest corporate partner,” said Brian Marlowe, president and CEO of the Tifton-Tift County Chamber of Commerce and the Tift County Development Authority.  “Coca-Cola is one of the most recognizable brands in the world, and the company’s decision to build a state-of-the-art facility in Tifton speaks volumes about our pro-business environment and strategic location.” 

“In Tifton, we have found great partners in the economic development and community leaders, and we look forward to building a strong presence and deeper relationships here in the future,” said Mike Suco, vice president of Coca-Cola UNITED’s East Region.  “Our investments in Georgia continue to grow, which shows the depth of our commitment to the State, our customers, our communities and, of course, our associates.” 

Past Investment in Georgia

During the past five years, Coca-Cola UNITED has made significant investments in Georgia.  In 2017 and 2018, the company acquired a dozen sales centers and two production facilities throughout the state. Through those acquisitions, approximately 2,500 associates joined the Coca-Cola UNITED family.  Additionally, Coca-Cola UNITED recently completed a new $80 million sales center in Union City, which serves south metro Atlanta.  UNITED has also invested approximately $25 million in equipment, facilities and its delivery fleet in Atlanta, as part of its commitment to providing the highest levels of service to its customers in Coca-Cola’s hometown.    

In addition to the recent investments, Coca-Cola UNITED’s legacy in Georgia includes Savannah, Brunswick and Augusta, which have been part of the company’s territory for decades.  

Coca-Cola UNITED looks forward to continuing to work with its partners on this exciting project:  David DeVaney of NAI Charter for site selection and real estate advisory services; David Wittliff, P.Eng., of the Design Group; and Steve Manown of Brasfield & Gorrie General Contracting.