Another Important Milestone in a Long‑Standing Partnership

 

In the fast‑moving beverage industry, long‑term partnerships are key to sustainable success. For more than two decades, Krones and COFCO Coca‑Cola Beverages have built a collaboration based on trust, shared growth and continuous innovation. What began in 2002 as a supplier relationship has evolved into a strategic partnership supporting COFCO Coca‑Cola’s expansion and modernization across China.

 

As a core equipment supplier and plant‑solutions partner, Krones has played a central role in COFCO Coca‑Cola’s development. With proven engineering expertise and a strong understanding of customer needs, Krones has supported the company not only with high‑performance filling and packaging lines, but also with forward‑looking solutions that enhance efficiency, quality and flexibility. Today, more than half of the equipment and production lines at COFCO Coca‑Cola plants are supplied by Krones, covering soft drinks, still water and aseptic beverages.

 

At the North China Plant, one of COFCO Coca‑Cola’s most important production sites, multiple Krones lines deliver impressive output. Two water bottling lines operate at 81,000 bottles per hour, while a soft drink line reaches 54,000 bottles per hour, ensuring precise control from blow moulding through filling and packaging. At the Jinan facility, another Krones PET line sets new standards for flexibility and speed, becoming the first in China to reach 81,000 bottles per hour for water and 72,000 bottles per hour for soft drinks, while reducing air consumption by around 30 percent.

 

 

Beyond equipment, Krones provides value‑adding solutions that support COFCO Coca‑Cola’s digital transformation. At the North China Plant, tailored analytics solutions visualise real‑time production data, enabling teams to optimise performance, improve filling accuracy and move closer to the vision of an intelligent factory. Krones also supports rapid product innovation, such as the successful upgrade to the new 2622 cap specification, combining technical expertise with hands‑on on‑site support.

 

Space‑efficient production concepts further highlight the partnership. At the Sichuan plant, Krones implemented a multi‑level line layout that optimises vertical space, improves workflow efficiency and leaves room for future growth.

 

 

This long‑standing collaboration has earned Krones multiple awards, including the “Long‑Term Partnership, Quality Service and Sustainable Development Award” in 2023 and the “Best Supplier Award” in 2024. Together, Krones and COFCO Coca‑Cola continue to set benchmarks for partnership, innovation and sustainable development in the beverage industry.

 

You can read the full article here: Another important milestone in the partnership – Krones