Explore Coca-Cola Consolidated’s $50M investment in sustainable growth

Coke Consolidated has called Sandston home for almost a decade, employing nearly 450 residents in manufacturing, warehouse, distribution, equipment services, the Red Classic Truck fleet and transportation.

Now its new state-of-the-art building — unveiled on March 25 with Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other elected officials — will further economic growth at the campus and in the surrounding Virginia community.

What you need to know: Coca-Cola Consolidated's geography spans from North Carolina's Outer Banks to Virginia, Maryland, Washington D.C. and Delaware.

Dave Shelek, the company's VP and General Manager of the Mid-Atlantic Market Unit, leads about 1,800 teammates across sales, distribution and operations who are responsible for…

• Serving more than 17,700 customers across the DMV region.
• Distribution from warehouses to all retailers.
• Product merchandising.
• Bringing the commercial plan to life in stores.

Here's what else: As it continues to grow, Coca-Cola Consolidated is dedicated to finding innovative solutions to reduce its environmental impact and support the communities it serves.

The strategy: Now complete, the $50 million expansion project helped upgrade the 63-acre Sandston campus with…

• A new 210,000-square-foot warehouse.
• LED lighting to improve energy savings.
• New equipment on the can line to improve efficiency.

Plus, plus, plus: The Sandston site expansion will enable the company to build upon its existing excellent customer service.

• The investment will also create more jobs for locals, and help current and future teammates develop new skills and advance their careers at the site.

What Coca-Cola Consolidated is saying: "The updates we've made to our Sandston location echo our sustainability initiative priority of Refresh, Recycle, Renew, which we've put into practice with various partners in the Commonwealth," said John Eady, Plant Director II.

"For example, at the Richmond Raceway, we collected bottles and cans and had them processed to be remade into another bottle or can, giving our packaging a new life."

Why it's important: These investments enable the company to meet new customer demand and expand flavor options — like the new Coke Spice.

• Worth a mention: Plus, new can lines make it possible to complete more cases at a higher rate of speed.

The takeaway: The Sandston campus is one of eight Consolidated facilities in the area — and this $50 million investment is evidence of Coca-Cola Consolidated's focus on making major advances in its infrastructure to support future growth.

Learn more about the new eco-friendly facility.