Jefferson County Commission investing millions in Coca-Cola United for expansion and dozens of jobs

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – Coca Cola United has been in Birmingham since 1902, and the county is investing millions to keep them in the city. This move has been in the making for decades, with Coke and the county leaders working together.

In 2013, Coca-Cola purchased land in Kingston that was formerly home to the Stockham Valves facility, which closed in 1997. That land sits directly across the interstate from their current location and the company says they hoped one day it would be their new home.

Commissioner Joe Knight of the Jefferson County Commission stated, “Things go better with Coke,” expressing the sentiment shared by many at Thursday’s county commission meeting. Coca-Cola United announced plans to expand, bringing hundreds of jobs and over $330 million in investments over the next three years.

“We’re retaining over 700 jobs and expect to create 50 new jobs because of this,” said Mike Suco, President of Coca-Cola United. “We’re committed to partnering closely with the community of Kingston and investing in its prosperity.”

Commissioners mentioned that the current location is becoming landlocked, and the need for more space is imminent. Commissioner Lashunda Scales emphasized their determination to keep a company that has been a part of the Magic City for over 100 years.

“We’re talking about the airport community, Zion Hills, the Eastlake area, and Kingston,” said Scales. “If they had left, it would have been very challenging to replace them. We had the challenge of making it viable for them to stay here.”

The county offered $2 million to help with construction costs, and the city of Birmingham announced an incentive package, including about $400,000 in tax abatements, and other improvements. Scales believes the return on these investments will be monumental for the community.

“Now you’re going to look at that airport area differently because corporations are investing in the community where they do business,” said Scales. “This will give hope and recognize that we, too, deserve a quality of life.”

Get news alerts in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store or subscribe to our email newsletter here.

Copyright 2024 WBRC. All rights reserved.