Swire Coca-Cola has announced plans to construct a $475 million manufacturing facility in Colorado Springs after a project near Denver International Airport fell through.
“The decision was tied to how Peak Innovation Park at the Colorado Springs Airport is shovel-ready, and that Colorado Springs offered the fast, business-friendly partnership the company was looking for,” said Colorado Springs Deputy Communications Officer Joe Hollmann in an email to The Post.
Swire Coca-Cola plans to break ground on the 620,000-square-foot facility in 2026. It will replace the current 90-year-old production plant in Denver.
This includes world-class energy and water efficiency performance, according to a news release by the Colorado Springs Chamber & Economic Development Corporation.
“We’re excited to welcome 170 new jobs to Colorado Springs through Swire Coca-Cola USA’s expansion in the community,” said Gov. Jared Polis in the release.
“This new facility will help support the local economy, and we’re glad Swire Coca-Cola USA chose to expand their business in Colorado.”
Earlier this year, Swire canceled its plan to construct a 570,000-square-foot bottling plant at the northeast corner of Tower Road and Peña Boulevard near DIA for “unforeseen delays” and “ongoing timeline instability.”
However, The Post found that the project struggled with missed deadlines and communication issues and ultimately was scrapped after Xcel Energy failed to provide electricity to the site, according to city documents and a Denver City Council member.
The new plant will produce more than 230 beverage options across more than 60 brands, including sparkling soft drinks, waters, teas, juice drinks and sports beverages.
“Colorado Springs has been a great partner for our existing distribution facility, where we employ 170 people. The city offers a highly skilled workforce and a strong sense of community—all of which make it an ideal location for this strategic investment,” said Bryan Sink, senior vice president, supply chain at Swire Coca-Cola.
“At this facility we will pursue LEED Gold certification, demonstrating our commitment to sustainability and being a responsible business within the community. This investment represents our long-term commitment to the region, supporting local jobs, enhancing our production capabilities, and ensuring we continue manufacturing our large portfolio of beverage brands right here in Colorado.”
Once operational, the Colorado Springs plantap employees will include production, maintenance, quality, logistics and management roles.
Each on-site job is expected to support two additional jobs in the local economy, benefiting suppliers, service providers and other regional businesses.
During construction alone, the project is expected to support approximately 1,190 construction and installation jobs, generating an estimated $103 million in direct labor income for workers and families in El Paso County.
The Colorado Springs Chamber & EDC worked with numerous partners throughout the Pikes Peak region to offer an incentive package based on the performance of Swire Coca-Cola, which was referred to as Project Manitou during the review process.
“Colorado Springs is proud to welcome Swire Coca-Cola USA to Peak Innovation Park. This new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility is a vote of confidence in our city’s ability to attract global brands. Through our partnership with Urban Frontier and our Economic Development team, we provide businesses the support, speed, and clarity they need to succeed,” Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade said.
Headquartered in Utah, Swire Coca-Cola USA manufactures, distributes and sells Coca-Cola and other beverage brands in 13 states across the American West.
In Colorado, the company employs 1,300 people, according to the news release.
It will consolidate and modernize its production operations into the new bottling facility at ,.
This is a developing story and may be updated.
