Hussmann and Coca-Cola Re-Establish Relationship

Once again, Hussmann International, Inc. (St. Louis, MO) has a relationship with The Coca-Cola Company as a supplier of refrigerated beverage coolers in Mexico and Latin America. A manufacturer's authorization agreement has been signed that will allow Hussmann to compete for beverage cooler contracts with The Coca-Cola Company and affiliated bottling companies.

Prior to 1996, Hussmann Mexico was the leading supplier of beverage coolers to bottlers of Coca-Cola in Mexico. However, as a result of Hussmann's association with Pepsi General Bottling Company (both were subsidiaries of Whitman Corporation), the Coca-Cola Company and its affiliates in Mexico and Latin America stopped purchasing Hussmann beverage coolers. That issue ceased to be a concern following Hussmann's spin-off from Whitman on Jan. 30, 1998.

Hussmann's board of directors has also approved a $6 million capital project to equip a new facility in Toluca, Mexico, to manufacture beverage coolers and other refrigeration products. The beverage coolers will be produced for sale primarily in Mexico and other emerging Latin American markets. Construction of the plant will be completed sometime in the fourth quarter of 1998 and production will begin in 1999.

Hussmann International, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of food store equipment and commercial refrigeration products.

Edited by Pam Ahlberg