Coca-Cola Consolidated Fuels West Memphis Growth with $25 Million Facility Upgrade and Job Expansion

West Memphis, Arkansas is receiving a significant economic boost thanks to a $25 million investment from Coca-Cola Consolidated. The beverage giant is expanding its production facility, a move that promises to increase its production capacity, add new jobs to the local market, and introduce innovative sustainability processes in its operations.The expansion includes the addition of a state-of-the-art bottling line which is expected to raise production from 26 million to 29 million cases annually, according to Arkansas Business.

The West Memphis plant also takes a giant leap toward sustainability by adapting "blow molding" technology to manufacture its own bottles on-site, effectively reducing transportation costs and raw material usage. In a statement obtained by WREG, Steve Funderburke, vice president of manufacturing for Coca-Cola Consolidated, announced, "The line is in full operation and in 2025 we look to add even more volume to this line with a second shift of production."

Local leaders are heralding the expansion as a triumph for West Memphis' economic development. West Memphis Mayor Marco McClendon emphasized the importance of job creation to the community, saying, “When you are able to provide the people of our community with jobs so they can provide for their families it is a good thing, so we thank Coca-Cola consolidated for continuing to grow.” This sentiment was echoed by Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, who in an interview with Action News 5, highlighted the state's commitment to fostering an environment conducive to business growth and expansion. Sanders stated, "This is a company that really cares about their people, their families, and they represent our country. To see them here in operation in Arkansas--it's a great day, and we are proud to have them in the state."

The investment also ushers in, the potential for Coca-Cola Consolidated to play a pivotal role in the region's charitable endeavors. Alongside the facility upgrades, the company has committed $1.2 million to various Arkansas community programs in a partnership initiative. Mayor McClendon described the company’s continued investment as not only strengthening the local economy but also showcasing the innovation and forward-thinking that make West Memphis a prime location for manufacturing and technology. He looks forward to the lasting impact it will have on the community's growth and success, as documented by Arkansas Business.

The upgrade is expected to bring more than 25 new hires, contributing to an already substantial workforce of 580 employees statewide. The investment underscores the company's philosophy of "value service", catering to the region and the broader community, as detailed by Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders during a ribbon-cutting ceremony covered by WREG.