Coca-Cola ABASA expands Río Hondo plant with more than US$160 million investment
Coca-Cola ABASA inaugurated the expansion of its Río Hondo, Zacapa plant, investing more than US$160 million to quintuple production capacity.
Coca-Cola ABASA has inaugurated the expansion of its plant in Río Hondo, Zacapa, following a cumulative investment of more than US$160 million. The project adds new production capacity and infrastructure while strengthening the facility's role in supplying Guatemala and other markets across the region.
The expansion, which began in 2023, incorporates four new production lines and more than 130,000 square meters of new infrastructure. The project includes process and auxiliary service areas, as well as facilities for employees, including offices, an infirmary, and a breastfeeding room.
Coca-Cola ABASA expands production capacity in Zacapa
The expansion has introduced state-of-the-art technology and increased the plant's production capacity fivefold.
The modernized facility now includes four new production lines: one for personal-size PET bottles, another for family-size presentations, a third for returnable glass containers, and a fourth dedicated to can production.
With this new phase, the Zacapa facility is strengthening its position as a regional manufacturing and export hub. Beverages produced at the plant will supply markets in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Panama, in addition to supporting operations in Guatemala.
More than US$160 million invested in the Río Hondo plant
The investment is intended to address the company's current and future production needs while also generating an impact on the local economy.
Coca-Cola ABASA currently generates more than 790 direct jobs and around 200 indirect jobs. During the expansion process, more than 70% of contracted suppliers were Guatemalan companies.
More than US$53 million of the total investment was allocated to local purchases and services related to infrastructure, electrical installations, and specialized work.
The inauguration took place on August 20, 2026, with the participation of President Bernardo Arévalo; Jorgan K. Andrews, Chargé d'Affaires at the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala; government authorities, business leaders, employees, and other strategic partners.
Training supports the adoption of new technologies
Beyond the new infrastructure and equipment, the expansion process has also focused on strengthening employee capabilities to support the technologies incorporated into the operation.
The company has provided training in the use of new technologies, automated systems, high-speed equipment, and next-generation production processes. More than 28,000 hours of training have been delivered with support from different institutions and strategic partners, including INTECAP.
These initiatives have helped strengthen employees' technical knowledge, leadership skills, and professional development opportunities.
Coca-Cola ABASA advances sustainability initiatives with local communities
Alongside the plant expansion, Coca-Cola ABASA continues to promote sustainability projects in collaboration with local communities and strategic partners.
Among these initiatives are conservation efforts covering hectares in the Sierra de las Minas, as well as projects aimed at improving access to water for communities facing challenges in obtaining this essential resource.
Through the expansion of its Río Hondo plant, Coca-Cola ABASA is combining increased production capacity, new infrastructure, workforce development, local economic participation, and sustainability initiatives as it strengthens the facility's role within its regional operations.
