On Thursday morning, the Jefferson County Commission passed a $2 million resolution that will aid Coca-Cola United’s new campus in Birmingham’s Kingston community. The resolution will provide economic development assistance for the remediation of land for Coca-Cola’s site.
Once remediated, the site will serve as Coca-Cola Bottling Company’s new home for their distribution operations in Birmingham.
The project’s total investment will be $335 million, creating 50 new jobs within Jefferson County and retaining more than 750 jobs. The new facility, located in Kingston near Birmingham Airport, will be highly visible to planes landing and traffic along Interstate 20/59.
“On behalf of the Kingston Neighborhood Association, I’m thrilled to welcome Coca-Cola United to our community,” said Association President Brenda Holifield.
RELATED: New $330M Coca-Cola facility to include bottling, corporate and sales operations
“Their arrival not only brings new opportunities but also strengthens the fabric of our neighborhood, encouraging growth and camaraderie among residents and businesses alike.”
A press release from Coca-Cola United states that the new facility will include a 150,000-square-foot, multi-floor office complex and a 300,000-square-foot warehouse.
The warehouse features a leading-edge Vertique case picking system that is among the most advanced in the beverage industry.
Coca-Cola United’s President and CEO Mike Suco said in the press release, “Our story began more than 120 years ago in Birmingham, and with this investment, our story will continue for years to come.”
“Today’s announcement reflects our long-standing commitment to our associates, our customers, and the communities we have the honor of serving. It is through our strong relationships that we have arrived at this defining moment in our company’s history, and we are grateful to our local and state officials and partners for their support in our continued success,” said Suco.
RELATED: Decade after bankruptcy, Jefferson County refinances $2.24B debt
Governor Kay Ivey applauded the new facility, saying, “For over 120 years, Coca-Cola United has been a standout member of Birmingham’s business community, so it’s wonderful to see this world-class company make another major investment to build a new headquarters facility in the Magic City.”
Ivey continued, “Coca-Cola United’s landmark growth project will create new jobs in its home base in Birmingham while also solidifying the company’s foundation in the city for decades to come – and that’s great news for all of Alabama!”
Coca-Cola’s Kingston facility will have a distribution capacity of 19 million cases and cover 100 acres of land at the former Stockham Valves and Fittings site.