Business Histories of Coleman County, Texas

Coca Cola of Coleman
by John Wiginton

From A History of Coleman County and Its People, 1985 
edited by Judia and Ralph Terry, and Vena Bob Gates - used by permission
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      A bottling company was established about 1900, which the Gibson Brothers bought about 1926.  The Coca Cola Company of Fort Worth bought this plant in 1932, producing 600 cases of the beverage daily, distributing over a six-county territory.  Jack Barker became the manager in 1936; M. B. Casey became assistant manager in 1931 and manager in 1940 and served until 1972; Tom Casey from 1972 - 1979, M. B. Casey from 1979 until his death in 1980; the Coca Cola warehouse is now being managed by John Wiginton.  In the early 1950's, the plant bottled 17,000 bottles per 8 hour day, and in 1952, a new machine was installed that brought production up to 36,000 bottles per day.  Adapting to the changing times and its continued popularity, the bottling plant was removed in the 1960's and the plant at 214 South Colorado Street is now used as a warehouse and distribution point for the Coca Cola products of Sprite, Mr. Pibb, Tab, Fresca, Diet Coke, Caffeine-Free Coke in 16 oz. bottles, 2 liter and 10 oz. one-way bottles.

(Images to be added)

Coca Cola Bottling Plant—1950's


 
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