Dr Pepper Snapple Group set to construct distribution/production center in California

PLANO, Texas Dr Pepper Snapple Group today announced the finalization of a plan to build a distribution/production plant in Victorville, Calif.

The company said that the new $120 million facility will be built at Southern California Logistics Airport at the site of former George Air Force Base. This area was selected for its access to air, ground and train shipping services.

The site will feature an 8,500-acre “multimodal freight transportation hub” and a plant housed within an 850,000-square-foot building sprawling 57 acres. The company plans to employ more than 200 people at the plant, making it the largest Dr Pepper Snapple Western locale.

Construction of the distribution/production center will begin in October. The company plans to have the doors open by early 2010. When completed, the plant will have the ability to produce about 40 million cases of product each year. The company said that covers about 20 percent of the United States.

At the new operation in Victorville, Dr Pepper Snapple said it will produce soft drinks, juices, energy drinks, ready-to-drink teas and other premium beverages. The Dr Pepper Snapple Group owns more than 50 beverage brands including Dr Pepper and Snapple brands; the company’s portfolio includes A&W, Canada Dry, Hawaiian Punch, Schweppes, 7UP and Yoo-hoo.