ANDERSON COUNTY, S.C., June 16, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated (Nasdaq:COKE) will open a new chapter in its 114-year history in South Carolina by celebrating the grand opening of its new Regional Sales and Distribution Center in Anderson County.

“Coke Consolidated has a rich history in South Carolina, and we are excited and proud to expand our commitment to our customers there,” said Kimberly Kuo, Sr. VP Public Affairs. “Our business has always been about local connections, personal service and community engagement.  This state-of-the-art, 150,000 square foot facility on a beautiful 36-acre site will enable us to be more engaged with and more efficiently serve our retail customers and loyal consumers throughout Upstate South Carolina and North Georgia.  It has been a pleasure to work with Anderson County officials on this project and we look forward to joining them at the official ribbon-cutting ceremony next week.”

On June 23, elected officials, key customers, and community leaders are invited to join Coca-Cola Consolidated at an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s new 150,000 square foot sales and distribution facility on Highway 86 in Piedmont.  

“Project Upstate is a now reality.  We are thrilled that Coca-Cola Consolidated has invested $13.5 million in a new Regional Sales and Distribution Center bringing, 147 new jobs with good wages into Anderson County,” said Senator Mike Gambrell. “I think I’ll have a Coke with a smile!”

Charlotte, N.C.-based Coca-Cola Consolidated, the nation’s largest independent Coca-Cola bottler, formally moved operations to the site in late spring and has invested more than $13 million in the facility, which sits on 36 acres. The new facility will handle sales and distribution of Coca-Cola products throughout Anderson, Pickens, Greenville, Oconee, Greenwood, Abbeville, McCormick in South Carolina and Carnesville, Hartwell and Lavonia in Georgia. The Regional Sales and Distribution Center will run 40 routes daily to deliver more than 8.5 million cases a year, is equipped with state-of-the-art audio/visual equipment and has a large training room that seats more than 60 people.

"Anderson County is extremely excited to welcome Coca-Cola Consolidated to our county, and especially to the Powdersville community," said County Council Vice Chairman Ken Waters. “As one of Coca-Cola's popular slogans is "Choose Coke" – we are thrilled that “Coke Chose Anderson County!"

To learn more about career opportunities, please www.cokeconsolidated.com/careers.

—Enjoy Coca-Cola—

About Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated provides moments of happiness for millions of people every day with a broad portfolio of beverages that fit every activity and lifestyle.

Coke Consolidated is the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. We make, sell and distribute Coca-Cola products along with other unique beverages, carrying more than 250 brands across 15 states to over 33 million people. Our company is committed to serving others, pursuing excellence and growing profitably.

Headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., Coke Consolidated is traded on the NASDAQ under the symbol COKE. More information about the company is available at www.cokeconsolidated.com. Follow Coke Consolidated on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Linkedin.

Media Contact:
Kimberly Kuo
Senior Vice President of Public Affairs, Communications and Communities
704-557-4584