Coca-Cola announces new $1.5 million facility in Kingston’s east end
The mystery behind the building that’s been erected on Innovation Drive over the past months has come to an end as Coca-Cola’s Coke Canada has announced it as the site of its newest facility here in Kingston.
On Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, Coke Canada announced they are “investing in new building for long term growth” in Kingston: a $1.5 million investment that will see the company move to a brand new facility in the city, which “will enable us to meet the growing needs of our customers and unlock our capability to grow,” Coke Canada said in a press release.
“The new facility offers more space and a new design that will lead to improved efficiencies and set us up for long-term success in the local community,” the company said.
Currently, Coke Canada owns a bottling facility here in Kingston on Railway Street. According to the company, that facility currently employs over 80 people locally, and distributes over 400 products to customers from Port Hope to Cornwall, as well as serving approximately 500 local customers. Coke Canada said that results in an injection of close to $750,000 in the local economy through local vendors and partners. Additionally, Coke Canada is already a member of the Kingston Chamber of Commerce, a supporter of the local food bank, and has longstanding relationships with CFB Kingston and Big Brothers Big Sisters KFLA, according to the company.
Coke Canada plans to have the new facility up and running by May of 2022. To help celebrate this new facility and the holidays, Coca-Cola Canada Bottling Ltd. will have the Coca-Cola Canadian Holiday Truck Tour make a stop here in Kingston next week. Visit the brightly-lit truck in Springer Market Square – along with the big man dressed all in red – on Wednesday, Nov. 24, 2021, from 5 to 8 p.m.
Requests for information regarding what will happen with the Railway Street facility and if the new facility will create more employment opportunities in Kingston did not receive response by time of publication. Kingstonist will update this article if/when more information becomes available.