• Coca-Cola Beverages Florida’s $10.2 million Sales and Distribution Center is now open in St. Petersburg, FL
• The new facility is located at the corner of 16th Street North and 94th Avenue North
• Coke Florida employs over 4,800 associates across its 18 sales and distribution territories and four manufacturing facilities

Coke Florida, the third-largest privately held and sixth-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to welcome associates, local elected officials, and community partners to its new St. Petersburg Sales and Distribution Center on Thursday.

The 22,000-square-foot sales and distribution center — a $10M investment by Coke Florida — will be used to serve the company’s expanding customer base across St. Petersburg, Pinellas County, and surrounding areas.

“This is a significant step for Coke Florida – not only is this the first ground-up facility we have constructed, but it also represents a brick-and-mortar return to the St. Petersburg community. Our associates, many who live in Pinellas, are better positioned to partner with their customers and build stronger engagement with the community,” Thomas Benford, Coke Florida’s President and Chief Operating Officer.

Coke Florida stated in a news release that the new facility is designed to enhance the overall associate and customer experience.

Local government officials, business associates, and community partners shared in the milestone event for the family-owned company.

“This represents opportunities for the residents right here in Pinellas County. There’s going to be opportunities to build manufacturing careers, to learn warehousing, and sales. Good jobs are being created here, and it makes a huge difference for Pinellas County,” said Charlie Justice, Chairman of the Pinellas County Board of County Commissioners, during ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by over 150 guests.

Founded in 2015, Coke Florida is the third-largest privately held and sixth-largest Coca-Cola bottler in the United States. The company, headquartered in Tampa, employs over 4,600 associates and serves over 21 million consumers.

Coke Florida has also been very active in the area, partnering with groups like the local Boys and Girls Clubs and the Police Athletic League of St. Petersburg to provide laptops to support educational efforts led by both organizations. Coke Florida has also supported the Urban League of Pinellas County and its workforce development program, as well as Habitat for Humanity of Pinellas and West Pasco Counties to build homes for a deserving families.

“I am proud of our impact on the local community prior to opening this facility. We are not new to the area; we are just moving into a new home as this community was previously serviced out of our Tampa facility. Building this facility from the ground up is an indication of Coke Florida’s commitment towards better serving our local customers; furthermore, it demonstrates the company’s commitment to the communities where we live, work, and play,” said Ron Brock, Coke Florida’s Territory General Manager for the new facility.