New $62 million Coca-Cola distribution center will be in Chattanooga

photo Darren Hodges, division vice president for Chattanooga Coca-Cola Bottling Co., announces a new distribution center to be built on the former Olan Mills property near Highway 153.
photo Coca-Cola Bottling Company United today announced that Chattanooga is getting the $62 million distribution center which will create 43 new jobs and occupy the old Olan Mills site off Shepard Road near Highway 153. Photo by Alex Green.

Coca-Cola Bottling Company United today announced that Chattanooga is getting the $62 million distribution center which will create 43 new jobs and occupy the old Olan Mills site off Shepard Road near Highway 153.

The announcement follows months of speculation about whether Coke would choose Chattanooga or go out of state.

Until today, Coke officials remained tight-lipped about where the new distribution center would go. But all moves have pointed to Chattanooga for the last few weeks.

Earlier this month, the county industrial development board approved a payment in lieu of taxes agreement for Coke, should company officials decide to build in Chattanooga.

The announcement today also comes on the eve of Chattanooga Coke celebrating 115 years in the city. Chattanooga Coke Bottling was the first ever Coca-Cola bottler.

Company officials say the construction and facilities needed now stem from Coke Bottling United absorbing territories in the wake of Coca-Cola's withdrawal from distribution services and the reliance on independent firms to take on those responsibilities.

Amnicola Highway production will be unaffected by the new distribution facility and there will be no loss of jobs there, say company officials.

Read tomorrow's Times Free Press for complete coverage.

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