Coca-Cola Opens 43rd Bottling Plant in China

ATLANTACoca-Cola opened a new $106 million bottling plant in China as part of a greater 3-year, $4 billion investment plan that underscores the beverage giants confidence in and commitment to China. The facility, located in Shijiazhuang in the Hebei province, represents the companys 43^rd production facility in the country.

The 170,000-square-meter plant begins bottling with both sparkling and still beverage lines producing Coca-Cola, Sprite, Fanta and Minute Maid. Three additional lines will be installed over the next few years, which when completed, will make the new plant the largest of Cokes 12 bottling plants in China.

The new plant features Coca-Colas stringent conservation and source water protection plans and efficiently manages water use by reusing treated wastewater and replenishing water used back to the community. The efforts are part of the companys commitment to accelerate business growth in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Coca-Colas investment in China is strategically important in achieving our 2020 Vision goals, and largely possible due to our partnerships with COFCO and our other bottling partners," Muhtar Kent, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of The Coca-Cola Company. This new plant in Shijiazhuang will help Coca-Cola create a lasting positive impact in the community and contribute to a sustainable future for the people of Hebei."