Closure of Long-Standing Coca-Cola Facility in Ventura

One of the oldest businesses in Ventura is set to shut down after over a century of connection with the local community.

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling announced last week that its distribution and bottling facility in Ventura will close permanently on July 10. This decision ends the city’s long-standing relationship with Coca-Cola, which has its roots in the early 1900s.

The closure will impact 85 employees, although many are expected to be shifted to other facilities within Southern California.

A spokesperson for Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling remarked, “We regularly evaluate our locations, products, and services to ensure we can continue driving sustainable growth and innovation across our business.” They confirmed the closure of the Ventura distribution center and indicated plans to relocate operations.

July 10 has been officially set as the last operational day for the plant.

“The number of employees impacted by these changes is 85,” added the spokesperson. “Out of these, 78 individuals will be reassigned to other facilities. Additionally, affected employees can apply for open positions within our company and affiliates.”

This closure signifies the end of a significant manufacturing legacy in Ventura.

Coca-Cola’s presence in the area dates back to 1912 when the first local bottling plant opened near Front Street, as noted by the Ventura County Star.

The business grew and shifted locations multiple times over the decades in response to increasing demand for soft drinks. By the 1950s, Ventura had established itself as a key hub for soda production.

The Ventura County Star mentioned in May 1953 that “Two of the nation’s leading soft drink bottlers and dispensers, the Coca-Cola Bottling Company and the Nehi Bottling Company, operate modern plants here.” They reported a peak production capacity of 3,500 cases in a single 23-hour operation.

Initially located near Front Street, the facility later moved to West Main Street, opening a larger factory in 1937 on Seward Avenue and Thompson Boulevard.

Sadly, Ventura is not the only place in California experiencing closures in Coca-Cola operations. Last year, another Reyes Coca-Cola facility in American Canyon announced layoffs affecting 135 employees before halting operations in August. The Salinas factory, operational for over 70 years, also shut down, leading to further consolidation in nearby San Jose, impacting 81 additional workers.

In response to community concerns, Salinas Mayor Dennis Donahue stated, “We would have preferred to integrate San Jose into Salinas, but that’s not feasible. However, we are optimistic as there have been at least three interested parties in the facility.”

Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling clarified that the closure in Ventura is part of a broader initiative to streamline operations and enhance efficiency for future growth.

They believe this move positions them better for sustainable growth and improved service to customers and consumers.

As always, the company has communicated the updates to its employees and stakeholders.