The Coca-Cola Company plans to invest Rs 3,000 crore to build a beverage base and concentrates facility in Sanand, Gujarat. This substantial foreign direct investment (FDI) will be directed through International Refreshments (India) Private Limited (IRIPL), an affiliate of The Coca-Cola Company. The state government has allocated a 1.6 lakh square meter plot of land (SM-52) in Sanand Industrial Estate-II for the plant. Government authorities have affirmed that they've accelerated the approval procedures, highlighting the company's dedication to its investment in Gujarat.
Coca-Cola has made previous substantial investments in Gujarat through its bottling partner, Hindustan Coca-Cola Beverages Limited. The government has expedited approval processes and allocated land for the company. The upcoming plant in Sanand is projected to be fully automated, integrating robotic technology, the Internet of Things (IoT), and machine-learning devices for real-time monitoring and control of manufacturing processes. Automated storage and retrieval systems will also optimize efficiency.
Throughout the construction phase, the company intends to hire around 1,000 workers, encompassing both skilled and unskilled labor. Once operational, the plant is expected to employ approximately 400 individuals in operational and engineering positions, with a focus on promoting gender diversity. The establishment of this new facility is anticipated to positively impact ancillary industries such as packaging suppliers, flavor producers, engineering services, capital goods, and the automation sector.