Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages (CCSWB), the regional Coca-Cola bottler serving Texas and parts of Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arkansas, has officially opened its latest distribution center in Waco, Texas. The newly constructed 120,000-square-foot facility, located at 2600 Texas Central Parkway, was unveiled on Wednesday, February 12. This new center is designed to improve efficiency in CCSWB’s logistics, enhancing day-to-day operations and ensuring high-quality service for the growing customer base across Central Texas.
The facility boasts state-of-the-art features tailored to optimize product distribution. Among the key highlights are ten docks dedicated to loading, shipping, and receiving Coca-Cola products. The site also includes a secure parking area designated for staff, ensuring safety and convenience for employees and delivery personnel. One of the most critical aspects of the new warehouse is its storage capacity, allowing CCSWB to maintain a steady supply of products by housing up to ten days’ worth of inventory. This strategic investment helps mitigate potential supply chain disruptions and meets the increasing demand for Coca-Cola beverages in the region.
Beyond its core distribution functions, the Waco center offers enhanced workspaces for employees. The facility includes a newly built 9,000-square-foot office space designed to support CCSWB’s administrative and operational teams. Additionally, a dedicated amenity area has been introduced for fleet mechanics and cooler services teams, providing them with a comfortable and efficient workspace to manage vehicle maintenance and refrigeration servicing.
A Commitment to Growth and Expansion
The launch of the Waco distribution center marks a significant milestone for CCSWB, representing the third major facility investment made by the company within the past five years. The Coca-Cola bottler has actively pursued expansion efforts to keep up with the rapid population growth and increasing beverage demand throughout Texas.
One of the most notable investments by CCSWB came in April 2020, when the company inaugurated its cutting-edge “Northpoint” facility in Houston, Texas. The state-of-the-art facility was built to modernize distribution processes, enhance production efficiency, and accommodate the company’s growing logistical needs in one of the largest metropolitan areas in the United States. The investment in Houston underscored CCSWB’s dedication to staying ahead of the evolving market demands and positioning itself as a leading beverage distributor.
Another key development in CCSWB’s expansion strategy is the planned upgrade of the Fossil Creek bottling plant in Fort Worth, Texas. This initiative demonstrates the company’s ongoing commitment to innovation and operational excellence, ensuring that CCSWB remains at the forefront of beverage production and distribution in the region.
Jean Claude Tissot, President of Arca Continental Coca-Cola Southwest Beverages, emphasized the strategic importance of these investments in response to the region’s population surge. “Our new facility in Waco will help us meet the growing demand for our products as the population increases among the Central Texas communities we serve,” Tissot stated. “CCSWB’s relationship and history in these communities go back many years because we truly love where we live and work.”
Strengthening Community Connections
Beyond business growth, the opening of the Waco distribution center highlights CCSWB’s enduring presence and deep-rooted commitment to the local community. The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the facility marks the beginning of a new chapter for CCSWB’s operations in Waco, coinciding with a significant milestone—120 years of Coca-Cola service in the city.
Coca-Cola’s history in Waco dates back more than a century, and this legacy is being preserved and celebrated through CCSWB’s newly launched “Under the Cap” series. This special series provides a unique look into the people and stories that have shaped the company’s journey over the years. The Waco episode, in particular, follows Rhonda Dunahoo, a business manager at CCSWB and a passionate collector of Coca-Cola memorabilia. Dunahoo’s extensive collection has made her the unofficial historian of CCSWB in Waco, offering an intimate glimpse into the company’s rich past and deep community ties.
“It is amazing to be able to highlight our associates who truly have a connection to our local communities,” Tissot remarked. “We are not just known for supplying refreshing beverages; we are also known for supplying memories and moments that will last a lifetime.”
This focus on personal connections and local heritage is a testament to CCSWB’s commitment to fostering meaningful relationships with the people it serves. Through initiatives like “Under the Cap,” CCSWB not only celebrates its legacy but also strengthens its ties with customers, employees, and community members.
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, CCSWB’s investment in the Waco distribution center is part of a larger strategic vision aimed at positioning the company for sustained growth. The new facility is expected to enhance supply chain efficiency, streamline product distribution, and support the company’s long-term expansion plans. As demand for Coca-Cola beverages continues to rise in Texas and surrounding regions, CCSWB remains focused on leveraging innovative solutions and infrastructure improvements to better serve its markets.
The beverage industry has witnessed significant shifts in recent years, driven by changing consumer preferences, advancements in distribution technology, and increased demand for sustainable business practices. CCSWB has recognized these trends and is committed to adopting best practices that align with both operational excellence and environmental responsibility.
One of the critical aspects of CCSWB’s sustainability efforts involves improving energy efficiency across its facilities. The Waco distribution center has been designed with modern energy-saving features aimed at reducing overall carbon footprint. From optimizing transportation routes to implementing eco-friendly packaging solutions, CCSWB continues to explore ways to minimize environmental impact while maintaining high standards of product quality and service reliability.
Furthermore, the company is investing in workforce development, ensuring that its employees receive comprehensive training and access to professional growth opportunities. The addition of modern office spaces and amenities in the Waco facility reflects CCSWB’s dedication to creating a positive and productive work environment for its team members.