The new, state-of-the-art Heartlands Coca-Cola production campus is more than just a new bottling plant.
It’s a monumental, “generational” investment in the region, supporting Olathe economic growth and enhancing the company’s production capabilities.
And the lines at the new Heartland Coca-Cola plant are up and running after a late June grand opening and ribbon cutting that signaled a new era for the company that serves 25,000 customers and sells more than 50 million cases a year here in the Midwest.
“The OPC is a testament to our unwavering commitment to the Heartland region, our employees, and our customers,” Heartland Coca-Cola CEO Justin Bridgeman said. “With this world-class, state-of-the-art facility, we’re not just meeting today’s demands—we’re building for the future. This campus allows us to innovate faster, produce more sustainably, and deliver the beverages our consumers love with greater precision and care. Just as important, it enables us to train and equip our employees with 21st century technology and skills—ensuring they’re prepared to lead the way in a rapidly evolving industry. It’s a major step forward in our journey to be the best bottler in the Coca-Cola system and a long-term partner in the communities we serve.”
Heartland’s grand opening ceremony included a special tribute honored Heartland’s late CEO and owner, Junior Bridgeman – who founded the company in 2017 – with the unveiling of a mural painted by Heartland Coca-Cola employee, Jacob Birdsong. Bridgeman was a successful former NBA professional, business leader and the keynote speaker at our 2025 Annual Meeting last winter.
“This event marks a defining milestone for Heartland Coca-Cola,” Chuck Wyant, President and Chief Operating Officer said. “When Junior Bridgeman first envisioned this project, he challenged us to build more than just a production facility — he wanted to create a platform for long-term growth, innovation, and opportunity. Today, that vision comes to life. The OPC is now one of the most advanced production facilities in the nation, and it gives us the ability to control our own destiny, respond faster to customer needs, and empower our people to succeed for generations to come.”
The new 700,000 sq. ft., 150-acre campus houses four state-of-the-art production lines — two for aluminum cans and two for PET bottles — engineered to support a wide variety of pack sizes and beverage types.
The can line speeds reach up to an eye-popping 2,000 cans per minute and PET lines producing up to 900 bottles per minute, and the facility’s packaging capability accommodates everything from 7.5 oz slim cans to 2-liter PET bottles.
The plant leverages advanced QA/QC processes such as inline CO₂ and sugar content monitoring, automated can and bottle inspection, and precision labeling and coding systems. Integrated product order management, laser-guided vehicles (LGVs) for intra-facility transport, and automated trailer loading systems streamline logistics and warehouse operations across 52 dock doors.
The on-site Water Renewal Center (WRC) processes more than a quarter million gallons of wastewater daily, using a combination of anaerobic and aerobic treatment tanks that also generate renewable biogas to power parts of the facility. Additional highlights include energy-efficient equipment, lightweight packaging innovations, and a recycling center that recovers and repurposes all major packaging materials.
“This state-of-the-art production campus and continued partnership is opening new doors of opportunity for a regional distribution powerhouse,” Kansas Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. “Heartland’s generational investment will fuel its cutting-edge production lines and bring new opportunities for employees to grow, develop new skills and advance their professional careers here in Kansas.”
The amazing technological advancements will enable Heartland Coca-Cola to increase production capacity to meet growing consumer demand; improve efficiency and reduce environmental impact and sustainability; and enhance both product quality and innovation and the work of our employees.
“We are thrilled to have Heartland Coca-Cola and their employees as a part of the Olathe community,” said Olathe Mayor John Bacon. “In just two years they’ve already proven to be a terrific community partner, and we look forward to many more years of collaboration.”
Heartland Coca-Cola is committed to being a strong community partner. The company plans to continue its support of local initiatives and organizations through various programs and partnerships.
