BISHOPVILLE, S.C., Sep 30, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --

South Atlantic Canners, today announced that they will expand operations in Lee County. The company expects to invest $4.5 million in the course of its expansion. South Atlantic Canners is the largest Coca-Cola production facility in South Carolina.

"The addition to our warehouse is important to our business and I am excited to begin this expansion," said Charles Ingram, chairman of South Atlantic Canners Board of Directors.

"During these difficult economic times, I am grateful for an investment of this magnitude from our company. This expansion reinforces the commitment Coca-Cola has to Lee County and South Carolina. It is my hope that this warehouse addition will have a positive impact on future economic development," said Troy Santoscoy, plant manager of South Atlantic Canners.

South Atlantic Canners' expansion of its Bishopville facility will bring the factory's total square footage to 300,000, increasing the warehouse capacity by 50 percent. The company expects to begin preliminary work on the expansion in the fourth quarter of this year.

"This expansion is positive news for Lee County and demonstrates South Atlantic Canner's commitment to the Pee Dee region. The company's decision to invest in its Lee County operations with equipment upgrades will increase the competitiveness of this facility. As well, our state's focus on the business fundamentals, such as low regulatory and tax burdens, provides a business-friendly climate that will help South Atlantic Canner over the long-term. We congratulate South Atlantic Canners and wish the company much success," said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.

"We are grateful for Coke's decision to expand in Lee County. We value and appreciate what Coke has done, is doing and will do in Lee County and look forward to their continued growth in our community," said Lee County Councilman Gordon Eckley.

South Atlantic Canners has operated for more than 25 years, with its original Lee County plant opening in 1974. The company has expanded several times since then, and has partnered with Charlotte-based Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. The plant now has four production lines making Coke products in cans, 10 oz. bottles, 20 oz. bottles, half-liter bottles and two-liter bottles.

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated is the second largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. The company is a leader in manufacturing, selling, and distributing soft drinks. With corporate offices in Charlotte, N.C., the company does business in the Southeastern United States. Consolidated has one of the highest per capita soft drink consumption rates in the world and manages franchise territories with a consumer base of more than eighteen million people. Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated makes, sells, and delivers carbonated and noncarbonated beverages, primarily products of The Coca-Cola Company. For more information, please visit www.cokeconsolidated.com.

--Enjoy Coca-Cola--

SOURCE: Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated

Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated
Alison Patient, Director Corporate Affairs, 704-557-4508