Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED has celebrated the start of construction on its new facility in the Kingston community in Alabama, US. 

A ground-breaking ceremony was held, which saw in attendance Coca-Cola UNITED president and CEO Mike Suco, alongside other representatives. 

Suco said: “While I have the honour of leading our company during this exciting chapter, this moment wouldn’t be possible without our past and present leadership, our community partners, our customers, our consumers, and last but not least, our associates. 

“Birmingham [US] has been our home for 122 years, and Birmingham will remain our home well into the future.” 

The new facility, which represents an investment of $300m, will be constructed on the grounds of the former Stockham Valves and Fittings site, located on 40th Street North.  

It will accommodate the Birmingham Coca-Cola sales centre and warehouse, as well as the central offices for Coca-Cola UNITED’s Corporate, Central Region, and North Alabama Division.  

Additionally, the company’s Classic Food and Vending arm, along with its customer solutions centre and services department, will operate from this new hub. 

Coca-Cola UNITED board chairperson Conrad Rafield said: “We believe the communities we serve are not just our neighbours, but an integral part of our Coca-Cola UNITED family. 

“We are committed to supporting and growing together for many years to come.” 

The development is anticipated to generate up to 50 new jobs while maintaining more than 750 existing positions. 

Construction is expected to span approximately three years, with completion expected by early 2027. 

Earlier this year, Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED celebrated the commencement of construction of a new domestic sales and distribution centre in McComb, Mississippi.