Coca-Cola Bottling Company United plans to invest approximately $330 million in a mixed-use Birmingham Coca-Cola facility in the Kingston community that is expected to create up to 50 jobs and sustain more than 750 jobs in the Magic City.

In 2013, Coca-Cola United purchased the former Stockham Valves and Fittings site at number 40.^Number They plan to move to Street North, about two miles from their current location on East Lake Boulevard, in hopes of building a new facility in the future.

Those hopes have now become a long-awaited and welcome reality, said Mike Suko, president and CEO of Coca-Cola United.

“Our story began in Birmingham more than 120 years ago, and with this investment, our story will continue for many years to come,” he said. “Today's announcement reflects our longstanding commitment to our colleagues, customers and the communities we are honored to serve.”

“Strong relationships have enabled us to reach this defining moment in our history, and we're grateful to our local and state officials and partners for their support in ensuring our continued success.”

Coca-Cola United Chairman of the Board of Directors Conrad W. Raffield III said the investment is a testament to the company's appreciation for the employees and community of Birmingham Coca-Cola, which employs approximately 800 people and serves Jefferson County and 11 surrounding counties.

“This project has been years in the making, and we are pleased to be building a campus that reflects our fundamental core values ​​of quality, excellence, integrity and respect,” he said. “We are extremely proud of the relationships and partnerships we've built around Birmingham over the years and are committed to continuing to be good stewards and neighbors in the communities where we live and work.”

The new facility will include a 150,000-square-foot, multi-story office building and a 300,000-square-foot warehouse. It will also house the Birmingham Coca-Cola sales center and headquarters for Coca-Cola United's Corporate, Central Region and North Alabama divisions.

The company's Classic Food & Vending division, Customer Solutions Center and service division will also be based in the new facility.

“For more than 120 years, Coca-Cola United has been a prominent presence in Birmingham's business community, and it's fantastic to see this world-class company making another major investment in the Magic City with their new headquarters facility,” said Governor Kay Ivey. “Coca-Cola United's groundbreaking growth project will create new jobs in their Birmingham home base and solidify the company's presence in Birmingham for decades to come. This is great news for the entire state of Alabama.”

Alabama Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair said United's investment project will have a long-term impact on Birmingham's image as an economy and commercial hub.

“United's impressive new facility will provide an eye-catching gateway to Birmingham and send a powerful message that this magical city is a great place to do business,” she said. “Opening this project in this particular location is a perfect example of how this world-class company contributes to the local community.”

The iconic Coca-Cola brand landed in the Magic City in 1902 when businessman and local philanthropist Crawford Johnson Sr. opened Birmingham Coca-Cola with one friend and a mule named Bird.

Johnson and his family opened and acquired bottling franchises throughout the Southeast, and in 1974 the company was incorporated as Coca-Cola United.

The company has operated out of its current East Lake Boulevard facility since 1979.