KEY POINTS
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Swire Coca-Cola is making a $475 million capital investment in a 620,000-square-foot facility, scheduled to break ground in 2026.
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The project is expected to generate approximately 1,190 construction jobs and 170 permanent positions, contributing an estimated $103 million in direct labor income during build-out.
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The plant is designed to achieve LEED Gold certification, reflecting the company’s focus on resource efficiency and environmental responsibility.
Swire Coca-Cola, USA plans to invest $475 million to build a bottling and distribution facility in Colorado Springs. The Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation announced its partnership with Swire Coca-Cola on Thursday.
The nonresidential construction project represents a significant milestone for both the company and the local community, replacing a 90-year-old bottling plant in Denver.
The move reflects Swire Coca-Cola’s ongoing commitment to serving the American West with efficiency, according to company officials. The new plant is expected to boost production capabilities while creating valuable jobs and economic opportunities in El Paso County.
Modern Bottling Facility to Break Ground in 2026
Construction on the new Colorado Springs plant is scheduled to start in 2026. The modern, large-scale manufacturing and bottling center is expected to anchor a key tract within Peak Innovation Park, a growing industrial hub near the Colorado Springs Airport.
The facility will span approximately 620,000 square feet, providing space for advanced production lines and streamlined logistics.
The new facility marks a strategic step in modernizing Swire Coca-Cola’s operations. The plant will replace the York Street facility in Denver, the oldest Coca-Cola bottling plant in the country, which has reached the end of its operational life after decades of service to the community.
The Colorado Springs location is expected to provide the foundation for the company’s next century of service and regional growth, officials stated.
$475M Investment to Create Jobs and Opportunity
The $475 million investment is expected to catalyze significant economic activity in El Paso County.
During the construction phase, the project is projected to create roughly 1,190 jobs for contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers. The build-out is anticipated to generate an estimated $103 million in direct construction labor income, providing a substantial boost to local workers and their families.
Once operational, the plant is expected to create 170 permanent jobs, offering stable employment and career opportunities in the region.
Swire Coca-Cola has stated its commitment to maintaining a longstanding presence in Denver and supporting its existing workforce there, even as it expands its footprint in Colorado Springs.
Modern Facility to Expand Production Capacity
The new plant is being designed as a modern replacement for Swire Coca-Cola’s aging Denver facility. The expanded space will enable the installation of modern equipment, increase production capacity, and facilitate more efficient production processes.
This upgrade is considered essential to meeting the evolving demands of customers across the West.
Once completed, the plant will be capable of producing over 230 beverage options across more than 60 brands. The facility’s upgraded canning and bottling footprint is designed to align with regional preferences.
Colorado Springs Chosen for Strategic Location
The decision to build in Colorado Springs followed a multi-year review that considered locations both within and outside the state of Colorado. Peak Innovation Park was ultimately selected for its ready-to-build infrastructure and strategic benefits.
This shovel-ready status was a key factor, offering a more predictable and stable project timeline.
The business park’s proximity to the Colorado Springs Airport and major interstate highways is expected to simplify logistics, transportation, and future expansion possibilities.
This move follows Swire Coca-Cola’s decision to step back from a previously planned site near Denver International Airport, where unforeseen project delays made the development unviable.
The collaborative spirit and readiness of Colorado Springs officials were cited as decisive factors in the selection of the site for this significant investment.
Swire Coca-Cola manufactures, delivers, and sells Coca-Cola brands in 13 western US states, shown on the map above. Image: Swire Coca-Cola
LEED Gold Certification and Resource Efficiency in Focus
Sustainability is a core principle guiding the design and construction of the new facility. Swire Coca-Cola is pursuing LEED Gold certification, a globally recognized standard for environmental sustainability and excellence in green building. This commitment will inform decisions regarding energy and water performance, from the initial design through to final construction.
The building will incorporate high-efficiency systems intended to support Swire Coca-Cola’s broader goals for resource efficiency. By prioritizing sustainable practices, the company said it aims to construct a plant that is both productive and environmentally responsible.
Modern Infrastructure for Swire Coca-Cola in the West
Swire Coca-Cola, USA, with annual revenues exceeding $3 billion, is one of the largest Coca-Cola bottlers in the American West, producing, packaging, and distributing a portfolio of Coca-Cola and other beverage brands across 13 western states from its headquarters in Draper, Utah.
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