Chamber gives manufacturing honor to Ozarks Coca-Cola

A panel of six judges chose the century-old family-owned bottling company from a field of three finalists that included Jarden Plastic Solutions and Tuthill Vacuum & Blower Systems. All three companies were recognized at a chamber luncheon today at University Plaza.

Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. employs 334 people and offers production, warehouse, delivery and equipment services for Coca-Cola and Dr Pepper products. The company recently expanded its warehouse by 27,000 square feet to accommodate new product lines.

The judges cited the bottling company’s product development and sustainability along with its commitment to community involvement. Ozarks Coca-Cola/Dr Pepper Bottling Co. is involved in United Way of the Ozarks, Springfield Public Schools Foundation, Ozarks Public Television and the Boys & Girls Club.

The award was presented to President John Schaefer, who mentioned the dedication and longevity of the bottling company’s employees. One employee marked 45 years with the company this past weekend, he said.

“That’s a credit not only to the people we work with, but the people we work for,” Schaefer said.

Edmonds Dental Prosthetics was the 2005 Manufacturer of the Year.

The annual economic impact of manufacturing in the five-county Springfield metropolitan area is $18.6 billion, according to an analysis released today by the chamber. Area manufacturers spend $6.74 billion annually, creating an economic ripple effect of almost $12 billion.

Area manufacturers employ more than 19,000 people with an average annual salary of $52,400, according to the analysis performed by Development Strategies of St. Louis.

See SBJ’s Dec. 18 issue for more about Ozarks Coca-Cola and the economic impact of manufacturing on the region.