Westrock Coffee Co. has unveiled the largest roast-to-ready-to-drink (RTD) manufacturing facility in North America, located in Conway, Arkansas. With an investment of $315 million, the 570,000-square-foot factory is equipped with cutting-edge robotics and end-to-end automation, from roasting and grinding to bottling and packaging. This innovation aims to position the company as a leader in coffee and RTD beverage production. The facility also includes a comprehensive beverage development laboratory to further drive product innovation.
The journey began in December 2021 when Westrock Coffee acquired an existing 524,000-square-foot factory and redeveloped it through a two-phase process, initially investing $185 million. An additional $90 million was later allocated to expand the factory's production capacity. In early 2022, the company also initiated the construction of a 530,000-square-foot warehousing and distribution center nearby. This new building, which became operational this January, is part of Westrock's strategy to streamline its supply chain and distribution operations.
Despite a slight increase in industrial vacancies in the Little Rock metro area, Westrock's proactive measures ensure they remain at the forefront of the industry. The strategic investments in state-of-the-art facilities and technology underscore Westrock Coffee's commitment to quality, efficiency, and innovation in the RTD beverage market.
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