Coke celebrates, dedicates new Montgomery facility
Summer 16
By David Zaslawsky
There was a lot of fanfare and a host of dignitaries attending the grand opening of Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Co. facility.
It was befitting for a $35 million investment in an 850,000-plus square-foot facility near the Montgomery Regional Airport and a workforce of more than 300, including 60-plus jobs in the past 18 months.
“What a historic moment for our company – wonderful, wonderful time,” said John H. Sherman, who was recently named the CEO and president of Coca-Cola Bottling Co. UNITED, which is the parent company for the Montgomery operation.
“There’s no better place that we’d rather make a $35 million investment than right here in Montgomery, Alabama. I think all of you can see the relationships that we have with the (local) leadership … They have been tremendously helpful each and every step of the way.”
After Carver High School’s band played the national anthem, the Jr. ROTC unit at the school raised the flag, the Pledge of Allegiance was said and a ribbon was cut, employees and guests went inside to hear about the company’s impact on the region.
“You are in the heart of my Commission district and that makes you the No. 1 priority,” Montgomery County Commission Chairman Elton N. Dean Sr. said. Dean said that when he and Montgomery Mayor Todd Strange recruit companies to the area, “I always tell them we are going to be the extension of your company. Whatever you do, we’re going to be a part (of it). We’re part of your family. We are so delighted to have you here in this part of the city.” Dean said that “if you’re successful – we’re going to be successful.”
Strange said that elected leaders not only appreciate the company’s investment in Montgomery, but also the vision of the firm’s top executives and board of directors. “Montgomery is honored to be the hub of what happens with Coca-Cola in this region. We congratulate you and we thank you for the confidence you placed in us.”
Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Chairman of the Board A. Bruce Crawford said, “Through the creation of new jobs and investment in this advanced facility, Coca-Cola UNITED has made a significant contribution to the economic development of the River Region. We are grateful for their selection of Montgomery and their commitment to growth and prosperity of our community.”
The Montgomery Coca-Cola Bottling Co. presented a $500 check to Carver’s Jr. ROTC program; a $1,500 check to the school’s band program; and a $5,000 check to Catoma Elementary School Mary Markham to fund a playground as part of the company’s partnership in the Classrooms to Boardrooms program, established by the Auburn University at Montgomery Office of Business & Community Initiatives.
