ARC builds new plant in Misamis Oriental

MANILA, Philippines - ARC Refreshments Corp. (ARC), the licensed bottler of US-brand RC Cola in the Philippines, has opened a new five-hectare, state-of-the-art plant in Tagoloan, Misamis Oriental recently to address a growing demand for this popular softdrink  brand in the area.

According to Butch Aves, ARC vice president for manufacturing and technical services, the modern facility officially started operations in February and has the capacity to produce the full-line softdrink products of ARC including RC Cola, the century-old international brand with headquarters in Columbus, Georgia, U.S.A.

Apart from meeting the market demand for affordable softdrink beverages in the region, the new plant is also expected to provide additional employment opportunities in the area. Additionally, the onsite facility will help drive down the cost of distribution in the area for the company’s business partners.

“We prioritize hiring employees [for the new plant] from the same area. This way, we would also be able to help generate local employment,” said Gerry T. Garcia, ARC executive vice president and chief operating officer. “Retail outlets of RC Cola can also gain quick, convenient access to the plant while benefiting from the reduced distribution costs since it is conveniently located right within the company’s distribution area.”

With a partner bottler in Cebu, the Misamis Oriental plant is the eighth in the company’s planned expansion this year, with ARC continuing to provide more business opportunities for existing and potential softdrink dealers, sub-dealers, retailers and suppliers in many regions across the country.

Executives of ARC recognize that a big part of its overall business sustainability is maintaining a dynamic, positive relationship with the communities they operate in. “Just as in Manila, Antipolo, and Davao where a lot of people now depend on RC Cola for their livelihood, we’d like our plant in Misamis Oriental to also positively impact the lives of our workers and partners,” adds Garcia.

Since 2003, RC Cola has captured the fancy of millions of Filipino cola drinkers and today – a mere ten years later – has put the Philippines on the cola map as the prized bottler of Royal Crown Cola International.