Coca-Cola and Swire group open new state-of-the-art plant to further China growth
The largest Coca-Cola production plant south of the Yangtze River, the new plant is a world-class facility that received a gold certification of Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).
"Swire has significantly increased investment in our global Coca-Cola bottling business in recent years, and this new bottling plant is a good example of that. The increased capacity will help us satisfy millions of consumers and continue to drive sustainable growth throughout Yunnan," said Merlin Swire, CEO of John Swire & Sons Limited.
On Mainland China, Swire Beverages owns 18 factories in Henan, Anhui, Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Fujian, Guangdong, Hubei, Jiangxi, Guangxi, Hainan, Yunnan and Shanghai.
Swire Beverages has been one of the largest bottling partners of Coca-Cola since 1965.
Coca-Cola CEO James Quincey said: "Coca-Cola has been part of the tremendous changes in China since the opening of the market in 1979
"We started our business in China with a single brand, and we've gone on to build a portfolio of more than 20 brands in the market today. The new Yunnan plant marks a milestone in celebrating the upcoming 40th anniversary of Coca-Cola's return to China.
“Together with our bottling partners, we offer a growing portfolio to Chinese consumers, in addition to playing an important role in the communities where we operate."
Green gains
Wang Qingmei, deputy director of the Provincial Merchant Bureau, said Yunnan is promoting three provincial propositions: Green Energy, Green Food, and Healthy Living Place.
"This new plant coincides with our 'Green Food' proposition and contributes to the industry development in Yunnan,” said Wang.
Among the various features, to reduce summer heat and save energy, the plant uses natural lighting, intelligent lighting systems, two-way heat-protective glass and highly-reflective materials covering 75% of the roof.
The plant also includes a 600-cubic-metre rainwater collection facility for irrigation and street cleaning, which helps to conserve water.
