Swire Coca-Cola Secures $475M Plant Site in Colorado Springs After Denver Deal Falls Through
DENVER, Dec 12 (Reuters) – After an earlier attempt to establish a new bottling facility near Denver International Airport failed, Swire Coca-Cola USA has secured a new location for its $475 million investment in Colorado Springs. The facility, set to span 620,000 square feet, will create approximately 170 jobs, marking a significant economic boost for the region.
The announcement was made on Wednesday night, ending months of speculation about where the massive plant would be located after the company’s deal to build on city-owned land near Denver collapsed last summer. Instead of the bustling Denver metropolitan area, the new plant will be situated in the Peak Innovation Park in southeast Colorado Springs. Construction is expected to begin in 2026, with the plant becoming operational shortly thereafter.
A Strategic Move for Swire Coca-Cola
The decision to build the new facility in Colorado Springs comes as part of Swire Coca-Cola’s broader strategic plan to expand its operations and meet growing demand in the U.S. market. The company, which operates as a bottler for Coca-Cola products in 13 western states, praised Colorado Springs for its strong community ties and access to a skilled workforce.
“We’re excited to call Colorado Springs our home for this strategic investment,” said Bryan Sink, senior vice president of supply chain at Swire Coca-Cola, in a statement. “The city offers a highly skilled workforce and a strong sense of community—all of which make it an ideal location for this project.”
Swire Coca-Cola had previously set its sights on Denver for the new plant, but a breakdown in negotiations over land near the airport left the company searching for an alternative site. Colorado Springs, with its proximity to major transportation routes and a business-friendly environment, proved to be an ideal alternative.
Impact on Colorado Springs and the Region
For Colorado Springs, the arrival of Swire Coca-Cola marks a major economic development milestone. The new plant will create hundreds of construction jobs during its build-out phase and 170 permanent jobs once operational. These jobs will not only provide employment but also contribute to the local economy, with workers expected to engage with local businesses and services.
The facility’s location in Peak Innovation Park further reinforces the area’s reputation as a growing hub for innovation and industrial development. The park is already home to several tech and manufacturing companies, making it an ideal spot for Swire Coca-Cola’s new operations.
Local officials were quick to celebrate the announcement, with Colorado Springs Mayor John Suthers expressing enthusiasm about the project. “This new plant is a testament to the strength of Colorado Springs as a growing business community,” Suthers said. “It will not only bring jobs but also showcase the city’s potential as a key player in the broader Colorado economy.”
The $475 Million Investment
Swire Coca-Cola’s investment in the new plant is part of a broader strategy to modernize and expand its operations across the U.S. The company has already invested heavily in its supply chain infrastructure, with several new facilities and upgrades planned in the coming years.
The $475 million price tag for the Colorado Springs facility reflects the size and scope of the project, which will include state-of-the-art bottling equipment, warehouses, and distribution capabilities. The plant will produce a range of Coca-Cola products, including sodas, water, and other beverages, for distribution throughout the region.
Looking Ahead
While construction is not set to begin until 2026, the announcement of the new plant in Colorado Springs is a welcome development for both Swire Coca-Cola and the local economy. As the project progresses, both the company and the city of Colorado Springs will work together to ensure the facility is completed on time and within budget.
Swire Coca-Cola has a long history of working with local communities to foster economic growth, and the new plant in Colorado Springs is expected to be another success story in this regard. As the facility prepares to begin construction, both parties are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds in the years to come.
Conclusion
Swire Coca-Cola’s decision to build a $475 million bottling plant in Colorado Springs underscores the city’s growing prominence as a business hub in the region. With the new plant set to create 170 jobs and contribute to the local economy, the investment is seen as a win for both the company and the community. As construction begins in 2026, the new facility is poised to become a cornerstone of Swire Coca-Cola’s operations in the U.S., while also solidifying Colorado Springs’ status as a key player in the industrial and business sectors.
