Southeastern Container Expands Buncombe County Headquarters and Manufacturing Operations 

Southeastern Container to invest $31 million in facility modernization and technology

ASHEVILLE, N.C., Feb. 19, 2026 —In conjunction with the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County (EDC), today Southeastern Container (SEC) announced plans to invest $31 million in facility modernization, new technology and equipment.  Driven by growing national demand, this expansion will add closure production capacity; support 12 new skilled, high-tech production jobs in the next 18 months with an average wage of $32.90 per hour; and sustain over 150 existing jobs at its headquarters in Enka-Candler.  This investment will drive innovation through the continued adoption of technology, while maintaining progress towards their industry leading sustainability goals.

“Southeastern Container is excited to bring closure manufacturing to our Enka, NC facility as we expand our industrial capabilities,” said Michael Ramos, President and CEO of SEC.

Southeastern Container (SEC) opened their headquarters and production facility in 1982 in Enka, NC as an injection molding and blow molding plant that serviced the Coca-Cola Bottlers across the eastern half of the United States. Over the years, SEC has seen significant growth as Coca-Cola bottler members volume has grown.

Today, SEC provides preforms, bottles and pallets to over 45 Coca-Cola operations in the US and Canada in 34 states and six Canadian provinces, stretching from Quebec to Florida and as far west as South Dakota. SEC’s dedication to quality and the use of state-of-the-art technology transformed the company from a single manufacturing plant into a world leader in the beverage packaging industry.

As one of the largest providers of bottles, preforms, closures and pallets for the Coca-Cola bottling system, SEC is proud to align with Coca-Cola’s sustainability goals for operational excellence.   The company is on a path to achieving zero solid waste to landfill, having reached a 31% reduction in CO2 emissions over the previous six years.  It has already achieved significant milestones in plastic reduction, including use of 100% recycled packaging and recycled PET compromising over 23% of materials consumed in the manufacturing process.  In total, 19 million pounds of plastic have been saved through lightweight projects in 2025 alone.  Beyond material reduction, SEC has implemented closed-loop recycling systems, processing five million pounds of plastic from customer returns through their facility in Enka, NC, where broken HDPE pallets are ground, reprocessed and returned to customers as new products.

“Buncombe County is proud to celebrate Southeastern Container’s expansion.  As a locally headquartered company, their investment demonstrates confidence in our community and strengthens our regional resilience,” shared Buncombe County Commission Chair, Amanda Edwards.  “Advanced manufacturing careers support nearly 19,000 workers and their families, bringing career wage jobs, growing household income and building a stronger tax base during our recovery.  Today’s announcement shows the vital role manufacturing plays in the economic future of our people and Western North Carolina. “

“The EDC Board of Directors is incredibly proud to support the expansion of Southeastern Container and celebrate their 45-year history as a leading employer and economic driver in Buncombe County,” stated EDC Board Chair Carol Steen. “Supporting high-skill, high-wage and high-tech manufacturing employment is foundational to the AVL 5×5 Strategic Plan and critical to reaching our shared goals of wage growth, economic expansion and environmental responsibility.  When a company like Southeastern Container invests in Buncombe County, it sends a clear message that our region is competitive and ready. These investments unlock local opportunity today and strengthen the future of our mountain community.”

For more information about the company and related employment opportunities, visit www.secontainer.com.

About the Economic Development Coalition for Asheville-Buncombe County
The Economic Development Coalition (EDC) for Asheville-Buncombe County is a public-private partnership committed to: creating and retaining high quality jobs, community leadership and being a resource for better business decisions. The EDC accomplishes this mission through its five core services: business retention and expansion, entrepreneurship, marketing and recruitment, workforce development and Riverbird Research. The EDC is funded by Buncombe County, the City of Asheville, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce and the AVL 5×5 Campaign. For more information, visit www.ashevillechamber.org/economic-development.

About Asheville Chamber of Commerce
For more than 125 years, the Asheville Area Chamber of Commerce has been the catalyst for economic vitality in our community. Asheville Chamber initiatives have stimulated economic development, influenced public policy and supported the growth of thousands of local and regional businesses.
Today, the Asheville Chamber:
•    Fosters collaboration among business and community leaders from Asheville and throughout the region,
•    Connects businesses to the resources they need to be successful and
•    Takes a reasoned and thoughtful approach to advocating for business and community issues.

Together with its members and partners, the Asheville Chamber nurtures a healthy business environment to create a better quality of life and future for the people who call our region home.

Learn more at www.ashevillechamber.org.