Coca-Cola to Shutter Plant with Hundreds of Layoffs

The Coca-Cola Co. plant in Dunedin, FL, will close in May, laying off nearly 200 employees, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN) letter sent to the Florida Dept. of Commerce on Feb. 6, 2024.

The letter states that layoffs will start April 5, 2024 and end May 31, 2024. All positions and jobs at the facility will be eliminated, and approximately 198 employees will be affected, although it is possible that one or more employees will remain employed for a limited time (no more than 60 days) after the closure to assist with administrative tasks.

The letter also states that employees were notified of the closure 60 days in advance on Feb. 5.

In a statement to local news WFLA.com, a Coca-Cola spokesperson said all volume for the plant will be transferred to a local, third-party co-packer.

“As announced in early 2020, the Coca-Cola Company will close the Dunedin Plant in Dunedin, FL, and transfer all volume to a local third-party co-packer, Peace River Citrus,” the spokesperson said.

“While these decisions are never made lightly, we believe Peace River has the right capabilities to support production of our brands and will put us in the best position for sustainable long-term growth. The transition will be completed by July 2024.”

In the beverage company's Q3 2023 Earnings Report on Feb. 13, 2024, it said the North American division gained value share in total nonalcoholic ready-to-drink beverages.

Also, the report shared unit case volume declined 1% for Q3, as growth in juice, value-added dairy and plant-based beverages and Trademark Coca‑Cola was more than offset by a decline in water, sports, coffee and tea.