Swire adds Arizona plant to growing footprint

Swire Coca-Cola USA of Draper has completed its acquisition of the Coca-Cola Production Center in Tempe, Arizona, according to a release from the company. The purchase is part of The Coca-Cola Co.’s refranchising process. Swire Coca-Cola’s operation of the production facility commenced Aug. 25.

The addition of the Tempe Production Center builds on Swire Coca-Cola’s growing footprint in the United States. The Utah-based company now operates in 13 western states. Prior to this purchase, Swire Coca-Cola operated four production facilities. This deal increases Swire Coca-Cola’s workforce by almost 160 employees.

The Tempe Production Center is one of the largest manufacturers of Coca-Cola products in the United States. The plant operates multiple production lines and manufactures almost 40 million cases of beverages annually.

“The addition of the Tempe Production Center will enhance Swire Coca-Cola’s overall operations. Having another manufacturing operation in our franchise territory allows us more control and helps us build upon our excellent customer service standards,” said Jack Pelo, CEO and president of Swire. “Swire Coca-Cola’s amazing growth — we have quadrupled in size in just over three years — is exciting and bodes well for our continued success. We look forward to continuing to provide the world’s most refreshing beverages to people across the West.”

Swire Coca-Cola USA is a part of the beverages division for Swire Pacific Limited and sells more than 300 brands across 13 states. The company’s territory includes parts of Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Kansas, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington and Wyoming. The company has over 6,500 employees.