Refresco, Rotterdam, Netherlands, entered into an agreement with The Coca-Cola Co., Atlanta, to acquire three of its production locations in the United States. This transaction is subject to regulatory approval.

Hans Roelofs, CEO of Refresco, stated: “The ongoing trend of A-brands outsourcing their production capabilities continues to provide opportunities for us as an independent beverage solutions provider. With manufacturing and supply chain being at the heart of our business, the acquisition of three Coca-Cola facilities in the U.S. is another step forward in our growth strategy.”

Brad Goist, chief operating officer of Refresco North America, added: “Adding three hotfill production sites to our footprint is a great opportunity to further enhance our offering. I am convinced that our Retail and A-brand customers across North America will be able to benefit from our extended capabilities and broadened geographical footprint.”

The prospective transaction includes three production facilities in Truesdale, Mo., Waco, Texas, and Paw Paw, Mich., and involves long-term agreements for contract manufacturing activities. Refresco will become one of Coca-Cola's strategic third-party contract manufacturers in the United States.

This acquisition is well aligned with Refresco's buy-and-build strategy, focused on further expanding and strengthening its manufacturing footprint across Europe and North America to service both retailers and A-brands, it says.

All three hotfill production locations are complementary to Refresco North America's current manufacturing footprint. Through the acquisition, Refresco further improves its proximity to its existing customer base and expands its technological capabilities.