SPRINGFIELD, MISSOURI, MAY 5, 2025 – Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company celebrated 105 years of refreshing the Ozarks with a ribbon cutting and open house of their new office space and can line.
The new addition consisted of a two-phase project. The 67,750-square-foot manufacturing facility and the first can line for the company were completed in late spring 2024, while the 47,625-square-foot office space was finalized in March. The new can line created 50 jobs at Ozarks and is expected to produce 9.3 million cases in 2025, supplying products to distributors in seven states.
The general contractor for the project was Ross Construction Group LLC. The architect was Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective, and engineers included Own Inc., civil; Miller Engineering PC, structural; and Buxton Kubik Dodd Design Collective for mechanical, electric, and plumbing. Interior design provided by Creative Design Consultants. Project financing arranged by U.S. Bank.
“Like many small, family-owned businesses, the Rice family never expected that when they started bottling beverages in Springfield in 1920, their company would develop into what it is today,” says Sally Hargis, vice president, chairman, and a third-generation business owner. “Our growth and success are thanks to our more than 875 associates, who take great pride in their work and the products we create, as well as to our customers and consumers who enjoy 650 varieties of refreshing Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products across Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, and Oklahoma.”
About Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company
105 years ago, Coca-Cola was just a small part of the company’s soft drink offerings. At that time, the bottled beverage business was thriving and the company experienced tremendous growth. Ozarks changed locations twice and by 1977, moved the Springfield operation to its current headquarters located at 1777 North Packer Road. In 2017, The Coca-Cola Company transitioned to individual franchise ownership of independent bottling operations in North America. This partnership has allowed Ozarks to adapt to regional consumer preferences, expand its business and beverage portfolio, broaden its franchise territory, and, most importantly, enhance the communities where Ozarks employees live and raise their families.
In 1953, Edwin C. “Cookie” Rice joined the family business and served as Chief Executive Officer until May 2023 when Bruce Long was named President and Chief Executive Officer. Long is the fifth to lead the company since it was founded in 1921 and the first non-family member to fill this role.
Today, Ozarks Coca-Cola Dr Pepper Bottling Company is a fourth-generation family-owned independent bottler. Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products are manufactured in Springfield, with sales and distribution branches in Springfield, Bolivar, Joplin, Rolla, West Plains, and Northwest Arkansas. Ozarks operates seven days a week, producing up to 375,000 cases of product weekly. Its portfolio includes sparkling Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products, hydration, sports, coffee and tea, nutrition, juice and dairy beverages. The refreshing beverages are available at national chains such as Walmart, Target and Dollar General, local retailers, grocery stores, convenience stores, restaurants, college campuses, schools, sporting events, theme parks, concerts, festivals, and more.
More information about Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Company is available at www.cocacolaozarks.com.