Business News
Coca-Cola Bottler will Expand in Bishopville, SC
Tuesday 05. October 2010 - Plans to Invest $4.5 Million
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 factorys 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 Canners commitment to the Pee Dee region. The companys decision to invest in its Lee County operations with equipment upgrades will increase the competitiveness of this facility. As well, our states 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 Cokes 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.