Coke finds Topeka "the real thing"
4:20 p.m. Thursday, June 21, 2007
Crack open a cold one, a cold Coke that is, and celebrate.
"It's terrific for Topeka," said Mike Berry, district manager of Topeka Coca-Cola.
The cola king has landed at its new 45,000 square foot distribution center at Forbes Field.
With the new center comes new jobs. There are nearly 72 full time employees, a big improvement from the 46 employees at the old facility.
"Not only did we increase the number of people we employed but we kept those jobs in Topeka and that's what's important," Berry said.
Topeka Chamber of Commerce President Doug Kinsinger says while the city has lost a few jobs with companies moving, the Coke deal is a testament to the fact Topeka is a good place to do business.
"Coke is definitely one of those names also that people know worldwide and we think having a name like that certainly helps attract others," Kinsinger said.
Topeka nearly lost the center to Junction City.
"This is one we started working on two and half, three years ago," Kinsinger said.
But thanks to economic development sales tax dollars and new job growth incentives...
"Really what it came down to was the city, the people."
Coke decided the capital city was the place to be.
The Topeka facility will serve Manhattan, Council Grove, Junction City, Fort Riley, and from the northeast border south to Waverly.
If you'd like to apply for a job with Coke, you'll find information at www.cokecce.com/careers or call 785-232-9372.
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