Coca Coca will build one of the three largest and most technological concentrates plants in the world in Liberia, Guanacaste, according to the company’s announcement on Wednesday. This will generate 130 direct jobs in the country.
The new operation represents an initial investment of $50 million. This new plant will replace the previous operation that was located in La Uruca, San José. It is expected to be built in 18 months and to become operational on January 1st, 2020.
This new plant will be located in front of the Daniel Oduber International Airport, inside the Zona Franca Solarium. The 103-thousand-square-meter property will allocate some 34 thousand square meters for the construction, far surpassing the current plant of La Uruca, which occupies a space of approximately 18,500 m2.
In addition to the 130 direct jobs that are expected to arrive with the plant in 2020, Cinde projects the arrival of additional 100 indirect jobs in this region that will have a positive impact on the surrounding communities.
The project represents interesting opportunities for local linkages, particularly in the creation of indirect sources of employment, purchase of inputs, and links with local organizations,”
said Roberto Mercadé, president of Coca Cola for Latin Center.
At present, Coca Cola is the leading exporter in the food sector and the third largest exporter of goods in Costa Rica, according to data from the Foreign Trade Promoter (Procomer). In 2017, Costa Rica exported $10,665 million of goods, 7% more than in 2016.