Clark Beverage Group investing $129M in Bowling Green, creating 20 jobs

FRANKFORT, Ky. — Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Co. (Clark Group), an industry-leader in the distribution of both non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, will invest nearly $130 million to expand and establish a new corporate headquarters and distribution facility in Bowling Green, creating 20 new Kentucky jobs.

Clark Group has distribution rights for Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, Constellation, Dr. Pepper and others. The project will see the company locate in a new, 300,000-s.f. corporate office and distribution facility to better serve its existing customers and growing demand. The $129 million investment will create 20 new jobs, pushing the company’s total Kentucky employment to over 260.

“We are thrilled to expand our operations with a new, state-of-the-art headquarters and distribution facility in Warren County,” said members of the Clark family. “This investment represents our commitment to both innovation and the communities we serve. Warren County’s strategic location, talented workforce and welcoming business environment made it the perfect choice for our continued growth. We look forward to building on our 120-year history and delivering the highest quality products and service to our customers across the region.”

Clark’s new jobs will pay an average $33 an hour including benefits. The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority voted at its September meeting to give Clark incentives that will reduce its payroll taxes by $20,000 annually for 15 years if it maintains the new jobs.

The company presently has operations in Daviess, McCracken, Perry, Warren and Woodford counties.

C. Clark (Clark Beverage Group Inc.) was established in 1903 when Carsie Cannon Clark started a small soda water operation in Martin, Tenn. Clark Distributing Co. began in 1969 when Dal Clark, along with other family members, bought the Miller/Falstaff distributor in Bowling Green, Ky. The Clark Group has grown into a leading force in the beverage industry covering parts of Kentucky, Mississippi, Alabama, Indiana and Tennessee.

The Clark Group of Companies offer a diverse portfolio of local, national and international brands that includes Coca Cola, Dr. Pepper, Monster Energy, Ski, Molson Coors, Constellation, Mark Anthony, Boston Beer, Diageo, Heineken, Yuengling and West Sixth to over 18,000 customers. Headquartered in Warren County, Kentucky, the Clark Group employs more than 1,300 individuals, maintaining a strong commitment to family values, exceptional customer service and long-term growth.

“I want to thank the leaders at Clark Beverage Group and Clark Distributing Co. for this significant investment in Warren County, building on Kentucky’s strength as a national leader in distribution and logistics,” Gov. Andy Beshear said. “Companies continue to recognize that our state is the perfect location to do business, and that means even more great job opportunities for our residents. It is especially great to see existing companies grow their presence in our state, and I look forward to the Clark Group’s continued growth in the commonwealth.”

Warren County Judge/Executive Doug Gorman looks forward to continuing the strong partnership between the company and community.

“This is an exciting time for Warren County as we welcome the Clark Group’s new headquarters and sales and distribution facility,” Gorman said. “Clark Beverage has been a valuable member of our community for generations, and their significant investment reflects their continued confidence in our region’s ability to support their growth and success. We are proud to partner with a company that shares our values of innovation, sustainability, and job creation, and we look forward to the positive impact this will have on our local economy.”

Ron Bunch, president and CEO of the Bowling Green Area Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the positive impact the investment will have on the local economy. 

“The Clark Group’s decision to establish their corporate headquarters and sales and distribution facility in Warren County is a testament to the business-friendly environment we’ve cultivated here,” Bunch said. “This project not only strengthens our local economy but also highlights the region’s ability to attract leading businesses and significant investments. We are thrilled to support the Clark Group’s continued growth and success, and we are committed to ensuring they have the resources they need to thrive in our community.”

More Kentucky business news here.