NC governor touts apprenticeship program in tour of Charlotte Coke bottling plant
Gov. Josh Stein toured of the Coca-Cola Consolidated bottling facility in Charlotte Wednesday, and met with participants in its apprenticeship program.
Stein toured the Snyder Production Center, off of Chesapeake Drive. It has six production lines including four bottle lines and two can lines. It produces 40 million cases annually.
He also toured the Vertique Distribution Center down the street from Snyder, which is semi-automated. It has an annual output of 22.7 million cases of beverages, which are shipped to North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Stein also met with participants in an apprenticeship program that involves a partnership with Central Piedmont Community College. It began in late 2023.
The paid apprenticeship program trains students in manufacturing, equipment repair and logistics.
It is geared towards those who are starting their careers or existing Coca-Cola Consolidated employees looking to transition into something different, said Dave Katz, president and chief operating officer for Coca-Cola Consolidated.
Stein highlighted the importance of such workforce development and career programs. “What I want is for every young person to be able to make a future that they want for themselves, and that usually starts with a good job,” Stein said.
He also stated that workforce development programs have not been affected by federal funding cuts yet, but he is worried.
Timothy Duhart, a graduate of the program, spoke with Stein and others about his experience. Before he entered the program in July 2023, he drove semi-trucks. He always wanted to be a diesel mechanic, so when he saw the program through CPCC, he applied.
“I was driving a truck because I had to,” Duhart said. “I had a family to feed, and it was cool. But I was always interested in fixing big trucks versus driving.”
After graduating from the program in July 2024, he is now a diesel technician for Coca-Cola Consolidated.
About Coca-Cola Consolidated
Coca-Cola Consolidated is the largest bottler of Coca-Cola in the United States. Coca-Cola Consolidated makes, sells and distributes non-alcoholic beverages for Atlanta based Coca-Cola Co. and other partners. It works with over 300 brands and flavors.
Coca-Cola Consolidated has operations in 14 states and Washington D.C. It has 11 production facilities, and Charlotte’s is the largest. It also has 60 distribution centers.
The bottler has over 2,000 employees in Charlotte and 17,000 companywide. Coca-Cola Consolidated reported $1.5 billion in net sales in its first quarter earnings.
