Coca Cola expands in northeast

Coca-Cola expanded its manufacturing operations in northeast China, opening a US$20 million bottling plant in Changchun, Jilin province. The plant is the drinks giant's fourth in northeast China and brings on stream an extra annual production capacity of 43 million standard boxes of carbonated beverages. The new plant is operated by the joint venture firm Jilin COFCO Coca-Cola Beverages Co Ltd. Coca Cola currently has 25 bottling plants in China, and three more under construction. Company officials say there are still gaps in the market yet to be filled.