Coca-Cola plant in Northampton to close in December with 175 layoffs
The facility's departure will eliminate 175 jobs and force the city to continue absorbing revenue losses through higher water and sewer rates for residents.
NORTHAMPTON — The Coca-Cola bottling plant on Industrial Drive will close its doors on December 15, ending operations that have served Northampton since the 1950s. The closure will result in 175 employee layoffs, with terminations beginning on August 15, according to plant manager Habib Chaudry.
The plant's departure represents a major loss for the city's finances. Northampton DPW Director Donna LaScaleia previously told the City Council that Coca-Cola accounted for 25% of the city's water and sewer usage at its peak. The company's gradual shutdown has forced officials to restructure how the city funds these services, shifting costs to residents. In July 2023, the average household water bill rose by $128 annually and sewer bills increased by $115 annually to compensate for the lost industrial revenue.
Coca-Cola first announced plans to leave in 2023 but delayed its departure multiple times. By the time of this month's official closure announcement, the plant's water usage had already dropped to 14% of the city's total, down from its historic 25%. According to Chaudry, it is possible that one or more employees could remain for up to 60 days after the December 15 closure to handle administrative tasks. The workforce is not represented by a union.
City officials are now focused on finding a replacement tenant for the facility. Mayor Gina-Louise Sciarra said in her fiscal year 2027 budget summary that she will work with state and federal partners to identify another business that could purchase or lease the building and support the city's enterprise funds. State Rep. Lindsay Sabadosa emphasized the need for a high-water-using employer. "It is our great hope that Coca-Cola can continue to work with us and find a high-water user," Sabadosa said, warning against the facility becoming a warehouse.
In March, the City Council voted to maintain the water and sewer rates set over previous fiscal years for most Northampton users. LaScaleia said the new base rate structures have allowed the city to remain at a consistent revenue level as Coca-Cola's operations declined. A Coca-Cola representative said the company is "grateful to have been part of the Northampton community for many years."