San Antonio’s Eastside is set to benefit from a major investment by Arca Continental Coca‑Cola Southwest Beverages (ACCSWB). The Mexico‑based bottler announced a $42 million expansion of its Eastside bottling plant, adding 170,000 square feet of space and 80 new positions. The project will increase the plant’s total workforce to about 900 employees.
New production line and warehouse space
President Susanne Brady‑Lusk explained that the expansion includes a brand‑new production line designed to run faster and package more cans than the existing equipment. The plant will also receive upgraded technology for forklift operators and charging stations for electric equipment, reflecting a commitment to modern, efficient operations.
“There is a ramp‑up. There’s a learning curve with the new machinery, but we are almost past that point now,” Brady‑Lusk said. “It’s been great. It’s been going well.”
Job creation and local hiring
The majority of the 80 new roles are warehouse positions, providing steady employment for residents of the surrounding neighborhoods. ACCSWB emphasized that the company is “listening to our local leaders” and remains open to further partnership opportunities that align with the company’s community‑focused pillars.
Broader regional investments
Beyond San Antonio, ACCSWB is upgrading facilities in Fort Worth and has completed or is finalizing new sites in Waco, Houston, and Oklahoma City. The company’s regional growth underscores a broader trend of beverage manufacturers expanding capacity to meet rising demand in South and Central Texas.
Community and civic support
Local officials welcomed the investment. State Rep. Barbara Gervin‑Hawkins (D‑San Antonio) praised the project as part of a larger vision for the Eastside, which includes the new Frost Bank Center and the expansion of the San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo. “I am so proud that Coca‑Cola is going to be a part of that reimagining,” she said.
Bexar County Commissioner Tommy Calvert also highlighted the potential for complementary development along Salado Creek, envisioning a space where fans could enjoy games with a Coca‑Cola beverage in hand.
Future outlook
With the expansion nearing completion, ACCSWB expects the new line to reach full service soon, further boosting the plant’s output capacity. The company’s commitment to local partnership and job creation aligns with San Antonio’s broader economic development goals, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a hub for manufacturing and logistics.
As the Eastside continues to evolve, the Coca‑Cola expansion stands as a tangible example of private investment driving job growth, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting the community’s long‑term prosperity.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
