Sibeg Coca-Cola is investing 51 million in Catania for its smart warehouse

The event is taking place today at the Sibeg Coca-Cola site in Catania’s industrial estate: the “From Ground to Growth” ceremony will mark the laying of the first above-ground foundation stone for the new automated vertical warehouse – a 51 million investment that brings together logistics, production, energy and employment. This facility is designed to reshape the relationship between production lines, storage and distribution. The facility, which will become fully operational in November 2027, will have a capacity of around 43,000 pallet spaces and will be connected to the existing plant via an elevated tunnel. It is here that logistics moves into the heart of the factory, becoming a key driver for increasing planning capacity, efficiency and responsiveness to demand.

Two structures are planned: an operational building on two levels, with a floor area of over 9,200 square metres and a height of approximately 20 metres, dedicated to the handling and management of goods; the Pick Tower, a vertical structure covering over 7,300 square metres and standing 28 metres tall, which will form the heart of the automated storage and retrieval system. What makes this project particularly innovative is the dual automation of material flows, managed by intelligent control systems that also utilise artificial intelligence. According to the company, the new facility will be one of the few in Italia capable of automatically handling both raw materials entering the production lines and finished products being sent to the warehouse and loading bays.

“With this project, Sibeg Coca-Cola is taking another significant step forward in terms of industrial and organisational quality,” emphasises General Manager Luca Busi. Investing in advanced automation means boosting competitiveness and planning capacity, but it also means establishing a modern, smart and sustainable production infrastructure in Catania that is ready to meet the challenges of the coming years. It is a decision that looks to the company’s future and, at the same time, confirms our confidence in the local area and its ability to support processes of growth and innovation.”

The plan includes new logistics areas, internal road networks, facilities for outdoor storage, and the refurbishment and extension of the existing offices. In terms of energy, the plans include 2.1 MWp of photovoltaic panels and battery storage systems with a capacity of 2 MWh, with the aim of reducing the facility’s energy footprint and improving its energy self-sufficiency. Twenty-four new staff members are expected to be recruited, joining the existing workforce of 449 employees. Work is due to be completed in July 2027.

“This investment represents a clear and concrete business decision: we are continuing to strengthen Sibeg Coca-Cola as a cutting-edge production hub in Southern Italy,” concludes Busi. Today, Sibeg is much more than just a company: it is a model. With determination, passion and vision, we aim to be the ‘Gazelle’ of the Coca-Cola system in Italia: agile in implementing plans, best-in-class in execution, close to our customers and key drivers of market growth. A company that has tailored its offering and products specifically for Sicily, turning every challenge into an opportunity, and acting as an Innovation Hub, pilot site and test area for the Business Unit, capable of reaching five million consumers and seven million tourists every day.”