News Summary
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United has begun construction on a new $330 million headquarters in Birmingham, Alabama. The 532,000 square-foot facility is set to create new jobs and bolster the local economy. The project is located in the Kingston community and aims to retain 750 jobs while generating up to 50 new employment opportunities. With a state-of-the-art design and modern warehouse, this headquarters is anticipated to have a significant impact on the area’s development over the next three years.
Birmingham – Coca-Cola Bottling Company United has officially commenced construction on a new $330 million headquarters in Birmingham’s Kingston community, marking one of the largest private investments in the city’s history. The groundbreaking ceremony for the expansive 532,000 square-foot facility took place in June 2024, with the project expected to span three years and conclude in 2027.
Details of the New Headquarters
The new Coca-Cola facility will occupy the former Stockham Valve property, strategically located near Interstate 20/59. The campus is projected to include:
- A multi-floor office complex encompassing 150,000 square feet.
- A state-of-the-art warehouse measuring 300,000 square feet that will feature the advanced Vertique case-picking system.
- Additional structures that collectively total 532,000 square feet across approximately 105 acres.
This headquarters will serve multiple functions, housing the Birmingham Coca-Cola sales center alongside Coca-Cola United’s Corporate, Central Region, and North Alabama Division headquarters. It is designed to support operations in various Alabama locations including Carbon Hill, Cullman, Florence, Oxford, and Tuscaloosa, as well as the company’s Classic Food and Vending division.
Impact on Local Economy and Employment
The project is expected to retain 750 existing jobs and create up to 50 new jobs upon completion. Birmingham officials have expressed optimism about the economic benefits stemming from this investment, which Governor Kay Ivey has described as a crucial boost for the local economy.
The establishment of Coca-Cola’s headquarters in Birmingham comes alongside a comprehensive site remediation effort, as the location was historically impacted by industrial use. Jefferson County has approved $2 million in site cleanup assistance to facilitate the transition of the brownfield site into a productive use, underlining the importance of responsible development.
Community Engagement and Future Prospects
Coca-Cola United is committed to engaging with the Kingston community throughout the construction and operational phases of the headquarters. The company’s historical connection to Birmingham, dating back to 1902, reinforces its ties to the region, and community leaders are hopeful that this project will not only enhance local employment but also stimulate broader economic activity.
The visibility of the new headquarters is anticipated to make it a landmark for travelers on the interstate and those flying into Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport. This prominence is expected to elevate Coca-Cola United’s profile in the community and highlight the region’s industrial capabilities.
Policy and Economic Context
This significant investment by Coca-Cola Bottling Company United aligns with broader trends in economic development within Birmingham, which has seen an influx of corporate investments aimed at revitalizing the area. Such initiatives underscore the importance of strategic planning and community support in attracting major employers.
Experts note that investments like these can catalyze economic regeneration and spur further developments in infrastructure, workforce training, and local business support. As the project unfolds, stakeholders are anticipated to monitor its impacts on the Kingston community and Birmingham’s economic landscape closely.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Birmingham Expands Job Market with 11,000 Openings
Coca-Cola Bottling Company United Inaugurates Facility in Jasper, GA
Birmingham Secures 17 New Economic Development Projects
Birmingham, Alabama Ranks 8th in Business-Friendly States
From Mule-Drawn Wagon to $330 Million Headquarters: The Coca-Cola Journey in Birmingham
Birmingham Facilitates Coca-Cola UNITED’s Move to a New Home
Additional Resources
- AL.com: What Are They Building Next to Interstate 2059 in Birmingham
- Wikipedia: Birmingham, Alabama
- Alabama News Center: Coca-Cola United Details of New Headquarters
- Google Search: Coca-Cola United headquarters Birmingham
- Bham Now: Coca-Cola United’s Unique Ties in Birmingham
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Coca-Cola Company
- CoStar: Coca-Cola Bottler in Alabama to Build New Headquarters
- Google News: Coca-Cola United Birmingham investment
Author: STAFF HERE BIRMINGHAM WRITER
The BIRMINGHAM STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBirmingham.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Birmingham, Jefferson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Sidewalk Film Festival, Sloss Music & Arts Festival, Magic City Classic, and civil rights commemorations. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Birmingham Business Alliance and the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute, plus leading businesses in healthcare, finance, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as UAB Medicine, Regions Bank, and Encompass Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREHuntsville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
