Coke to invest RM1b in Malaysia

Coke to invest RM1b in Malaysia

UPDATED

By Lee Wei Lian

NILAI, March 16 — Global beverage company Coca-Cola plans to invest more than RM1 billion in Malaysia over the next five years including the construction of a new bottling facility in Nilai.

The investments are expected to cover both marketing and manufacturing.

The new plant in Nilai will cover 123,024 square metres and will employ between 600 and 800 workers. It is also expected to create between 6,000 and 8,000 jobs with local suppliers.

“This RM1 billion investment represents the Coca-Cola system’s strong commitment to Malaysia and its consumers in delivering refreshing beverage choices, creating job opportunities and helping in building a better community,” said Glenn Jordan, president of the Pacific Group of The Coca-Cola Company at the ground-breaking ceremony of the new plant here today.

Jordan said the investment is the largest incremental investment it has made in the country.

He added that more than 90 per cent of the raw materials required would be sourced locally.

“This will enable us to produce the wide variety of beverages under the ‘non-alcoholic ready to drink’ category in which The Coca-Cola Company is a leader in terms of sales, innovation and marketing... in Malaysia as well as globally,” said Jordan.

The new facility will also practise rainwater harvesting and meets the Silver Leadership in Energy and Environment Design (LEED), the first Coca-Cola plant in Southeast Asia to achieve this standard.

The opening of the plant was officiated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak, who said he met Coca-Cola in Singapore last year and encouraged it to invest in the Nilai plant.

“I am happy to see that in just four months, the plant has become a reality,” he said in his speech at the ground-breaking ceremony.

“I believe in associating Malaysia with one of the world’s most recognised brands. Malaysia will benefit from Coca-Cola’s presence and vote of confidence. I hope it will be a shining example for others to follow.”

Coca-Cola has been in Malaysia since 1936. Its brands include Diet Coke, Sprite and Minute Maid.