Atlantic Area Chamber Ambassadors Celebrate Milestones at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors gathered at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling on Friday, December 19th, to celebrate recent milestones for the company and recognize years of growth, investment, and leadership at the Atlantic facility.

During the visit, Bill Garrett, Plant Manager, reflected on the many changes that have taken place over the past eight years, a period marked by expansion, modernization, and a strong focus on people and processes. Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling experienced significant transformation following Coca-Cola’s refranchising efforts in 2016, which expanded the company’s distribution territory and created new opportunities for growth. What began as a two-market operation has since grown to serve 10 markets across five states.

Since 2017, Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling has made more than $14 million in investments locally, including major facility upgrades, the purchase of the Locust Street building, and extensive renovations to support long-term modernization. Production capacity has increased dramatically with expanded can and bottle lines, added automation, and the ability to produce up to 1 million canned products in a two-shift day, with an overall plant capacity of approximately 8.5 million cases annually.

Garrett emphasized that these achievements are rooted in a strong commitment to people, safety, and continuous improvement. The Atlantic facility has gone nearly 13 years without a Lost Time Safety Incident, an accomplishment that reflects a deeply ingrained culture of safety and teamwork. Over the same period, the workforce has grown from 14 employees to 50, supporting both operational excellence and economic impact in the community.

The visit also marked a moment of reflection as Bill Garrett prepares for retirement after 49 years in the production and packaging industry, including eight years at Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling. As the transition approaches, leadership expressed confidence in the future of the Atlantic plant, with Andy Fewson set to assume leadership on January 1, continuing the focus on people, safety, and continuous improvement.

Atlantic Coca-Cola Bottling remains a vital part of the Atlantic community, demonstrating how dedicated employees, investment, and innovation can drive long-term success.