Coca-Cola announces US$285 million investment to grow Malaysian market

Coinciding with the launch of a new bottling plant which will provide Coca-Cola products to consumers throughout Malaysia, the investment is thought to “boost further growth in this very important Southeast Asian market”, according to a statement.

A Coca-Cola spokesperson said a part of the investment will also go into “increased marketing investments”.

The investment will directly create between 600 and 800 new jobs at the bottling plant, and is expected to create between 6,000 and 8,000 jobs with local suppliers. It is also expected to benefit more than 100,000 retail customers and 27 million local consumers with easier access to a wide range of products.

Currently, the annual per capita consumption of Coca-Cola products in Malaysia is well below that of many ASEAN countries. With the establishment of the plant and the additional investments in infrastructure, sales and marketing activities, local consumption of Coca-Cola products is expected to increase.

At the plant’s opening, Dato’ Seri Najib Tun Abdul Razak, Prime Minister of Malaysia, said: “I am excited to welcome this significant investment in Malaysia. I take it as a strong signal that the world’s most recognized brand is expanding in this important market and enhancing its contribution to the Malaysian market. I’m sure many more companies will follow the foresight of Coca-Cola.”

Glenn Jordan, president of the Pacific Group of The Coca-Cola Company, added: “This investment represents the Coca-Cola system’s strong commitment to Malaysia and its consumers in delivering refreshing beverage choices, creating job opportunities and helping to build a better community."

“With the new plant, one of the most modern of its kind in this part of the world, we will be able to support our core brands of Coca-Cola and Sprite in the coming years. We will also bring exciting new beverages to Malaysian consumers from our strong global portfolio in the coming months."