Coca-Cola Consolidated marked a major milestone in central Ohio with the grand opening of its new $90 million distribution and warehouse campus at the Rickenbacker Industrial Center. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held at the state-of-the-art 60-acre facility on Rohr Road, brought together Coca-Cola Consolidated leadership, local officials, and special guests — including Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and First Lady Fran DeWine — to celebrate the economic and community impact of the project.
The new campus features a 400,000-square-foot distribution center, plus two 15,000-square-foot buildings dedicated to equipment repair and fleet maintenance for Coca-Cola Consolidated’s transportation subsidiary, Red Classic Transit. This expansion not only improves logistics and service efficiency but also brings 35 new jobs to the region, boosting total employment at the Columbus facility to 360.
“The investment we’ve made here in Columbus is evidence of our focus on growth in Columbus,” said Sam Meiner, Vice President of Coca-Cola Consolidated’s Mid-West Market Unit. “This commitment to our teammates and production capabilities is a long-term dedication to improving how we serve the world’s best brands and flavors to our communities and the people of Ohio.”
With the capacity to handle more than 16 million cases of product annually — roughly 75,000 cases daily — the new facility is equipped with advanced technologies, including the Vertique system, a semi-automated solution designed to enhance productivity, accuracy, and workplace safety. The campus also includes a sales center, an on-site wellness clinic, and an experiential learning center with a high-tech auditorium for training and events.
As part of the celebration, Coca-Cola Consolidated also announced a $100,000 donation to the Ohio Governor’s Imagination Library — a statewide initiative championed by First Lady Fran DeWine that provides free books to children under the age of five. The gift underscores Coca-Cola Consolidated’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where it operates.
Governor Mike DeWine praised the investment and philanthropic announcement, saying, “Coca-Cola Consolidated is not only investing in our economy and creating jobs, but also in the futures of Ohio’s children. Their support of the Imagination Library will help expand literacy and opportunity for families across the state.”
First Lady Fran DeWine added, “This generous gift from Coca-Cola Consolidated will help us continue to get books into the hands of more young children, preparing them for success in school and in life.”
With a focus on innovation, sustainability, and workforce development, Coca-Cola Consolidated’s new Columbus facility represents a bold step forward in strengthening the region’s economic infrastructure — and a powerful reminder of the company’s dedication to both service and community.
