Coca-Cola Pulls the Plug on $500M Bottling Plant Near DIA
Coca-Cola has scrapped its highly anticipated $500 million bottling facility that was set to rise near Denver International Airport, citing a shift in its site selection strategy. The project, initially unveiled in summer 2023, was expected to bring roughly 200 jobs and expand the company’s production capabilities for plastic and aluminum bottles in the region.
The proposed site, located at the northeast corner of Tower Road and Peña Boulevard, was positioned as a key manufacturing and distribution hub that would replace the company’s current Denver operation in the Central Park neighborhood. That existing facility, Coca-Cola said, had reached its maximum capacity — prompting the need for expansion.
However, plans have now changed. On Tuesday, Coca-Cola announced it would no longer pursue construction on the DIA-adjacent land. The company emphasized that while the Denver project is no longer moving forward, it remains committed to growing its footprint in Colorado. A new location search is underway, but no alternate site has been disclosed.
The abrupt cancellation leaves questions about future investment and employment opportunities in the area. Local leaders had been optimistic the project would provide a major economic boost and help anchor further development in the rapidly expanding corridor around the airport.
Coca-Cola has not given a timeline for when or where a new facility might be announced, only noting that Colorado continues to be part of its long-term growth plans.
