On March 13, Love Bottling Co., based in Muskogee, broke ground on a 32,000-square-foot warehouse expansion at its South 24th Street headquarters.
Love Bottling has distributed Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper beverages in eastern Oklahoma since 1919, and this new expansion will provide additional product storage space and 14 additional loading docks for a total of 17. Warehouse expansion construction is slated for completion by spring 2025.
“This expansion will allow us to craft each customer’s individual order with even greater accuracy and efficiency,” Operations Vice President Joey Conaway said. “The additional docks will also allow us to more efficiently load our route trucks for delivery.”
The newly established William Barry Love Foundation allocates a share of Love Bottling’s profits to benefit children and families in the Muskogee area. To date, the foundation has awarded $436,000 in grants to Muskogee Public Schools, Hilldale Public Schools, CASA, Kid’s Space and The Shriner’s transportation fund.
“It’s about more than just streamlining our operations, however,” Love Bottling Company President and CEO James Gulley said. “Increased efficiencies will have a positive impact on profits that fund the William Barry Love Foundation.”
Love Bottling Company is one of only 60 independent Coca-Cola distributors in the U.S. and employs 140 residents of Muskogee and surrounding communities.
“The Love Bottling Company’s expansion is a significant step forward for the economic growth of our region,” Port Muskogee Executive Director Kimbra Scott said. “Their commitment to efficiency and community support aligns perfectly with our vision for sustainable development.”