Refresco expanding for second time this year

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Refresco, an independent bottler for retailers and brand-name beverages in Europe and North America, will expand its Greenville County operations for the second time this year.

The company said today through the Greenville Area Development Corp. that it will create 40 new jobs this time. In January the company announced 25 new jobs through an expansion project completed in the spring.

The dollar value of the expansions was not disclosed, but a news release said the new project is a multimillion-dollar investment.

Refresco provides a variety of services and products from developing new tastes and flavors to providing packaging, storage and distribution. The company has 60 manufacturing sites in Europe and North America, according to its website.

“The entire team at Refresco in Greer has worked hard to earn this opportunity to grow the business,” Refresco Greer Plant Manager William Wise said in the news release. “I couldn’t be prouder of the employees I have the privilege to lead and represent. They have demonstrated consistency in manufacturing excellence, and as a result, have attracted new business and new customers. We are excited to take this next step and to build on our success.”

Located at 1990 Hood Road in Greer, Refresco’s latest expansion will ensure that the operation has the manufacturing, packaging, processing and quality testing scale and flexibility needed by customers as demand continues to grow, the release said. Additional packaging, processing and quality testing equipment will be procured as part of this expansion. 

“Refresco extends the lineage of one of Greenville County's most venerable companies,” Greenville County Council Chairman Butch Kirven said in the news release. “Among the world’s largest independent beverage bottlers for retail brands, Refresco packages everything from fruit juices to sports drinks. We congratulate Refresco on this expansion, and appreciate its commitment to customers, employees and communities in Greenville County.” Kirven is also on the GADC board.

Globally, Refresco is focused on providing total beverage solutions to customers.

“Refresco is an excellent corporate citizen and valued member of the Greer community, and widely known for delivering quality and cost advantages to beverage customers around the world,” Greer Mayor Rick Danner said in the release. “We congratulate them on their continuing success and expansion and are proud to have Refresco call the city of Greer home.”

The project is expected to be completed by late December. The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved a $100,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with costs related to the project.