Soft-drink firm opens plant in Isabela

MANILA, Philippines—Asiawide Refreshments Corp. (ARC) recently opened its sixth manufacturing plant in Cauayan, Isabela.

The plant will produce all soft-drink products of ARC, including RC Cola, the century-old international brand that originated from Georgia, United States.

The manufacturing plant is expected to create jobs, drive down distribution costs for business partners and satisfy the cola thirst of Isabela and the neighboring provinces, the company said in a statement.

“We are hiring employees (for the new plant) from the same area. This way, we would also be able to help generate local employment,” said Gerry Garcia, executive vice president and chief operating officer of ARC.

Job creation is just one of the benefits that RC Cola’s manufacturing hub will bring to Isabela. The plant, which forms part of the company’s programmed expansion in Northern Luzon to Mindanao, is likewise expected to provide new business opportunities to existing and potential soft drink dealers, subdealers, retailers and suppliers in the area.

“Aside from being able to hire employees from the community and nearby towns, retail outlets can also gain quick, convenient access to our plant, while benefiting from reduced distribution costs since the plant is located within our distribution area,” Garcia said.

ARC recognizes that a big part of overall business sustainability is maintaining a dynamic, positive relationship with the host community.

“Just as in Manila and Davao, where a lot of people depend on RC Cola for their livelihood, we want our Isabela plant to positively impact the lives of our workers and partners.”

Throughout less than a decade of operations nationwide, ARC has involved itself in environmental initiatives, was hailed as among the top taxpayers in a city where one of its bottling plants is located, and has since earned back-to-back recognition from the Laguna Lake Development Authority for its consistent and successful compliance with environmental standards.