JOPLIN, Mo. —
Ground was broken Monday for a new Coca-Cola distribution center in the Crossroads Industrial Park.
The company has had a presence in Joplin since 1904 and has operated in the same location longer than any other business in Joplin.
The 56,000-square-foot center will open in early 2013. It replaces a 40,000-square-foot center that has operated at 1301 S. Virginia Ave.
Under a tent with red and white stripes, Kevin Shea, a vice president of field operations for Coco-Cola, said the center’s workforce will grow from 55 to 105 employees through consolidation of company operations in Aurora and Fort Scott, Kan.
The company was praised for its contributions to the community after the May 22, 2011 tornado. The company brought in truck loads of bottled water when a boil order was in effect in Joplin.
The company also gave up a spec building it was acquiring in the industrial park so that it could be used as a new home for East Middle School.
Crossland Construction Co., Columbus, Kan., is the contractor.
Local News
Coca-Cola breaks ground for new distributing center in Joplin
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