Frederick County Economic Development Authority

^{Photo: Southeastern Container's Frederick County facility is one of five manufacturing sites within the Southeastern Container collective serving Coca-Cola.}

30+ Years in Frederick County, Virginia

If you are enjoying a Coca-Cola in the mid-Atlantic region, chances are the bottle was manufactured at Southeastern Container's facility in Frederick County, Virginia. This expansive 425,000-square-foot facility employs over 100 dedicated team members who produce an impressive 2.9 billion preforms and 600 million bottles each year. As one of five manufacturing sites within the Southeastern Container cooperative, they collectively generate 11.6 billion preforms and 2.9 billion bottles annually. Southeastern Container stands as one of the largest PET converters, supplying PET bottles, preforms, and HDPE pallets to the Coca-Cola bottling system.

^{Photo: Pictured is a 500 ml contour bottle mold. The Frederick County facility produces an estimated 200 million 500ml contour bottles per year.}

The Mission

Southeastern Container is committed to giving Coca-Cola bottlers and other valued customers a competitive edge through a focus on cost, quality, and sustainability. As a key player in PET bottle manufacturing, Southeastern supports Coca-Cola’s World Without Waste initiative, which aims to collect and recycle a bottle for every bottle sold by 2030 and to use 50% recycled material in packaging. Currently, all of Southeastern Container’s packaging is fully recyclable. PET’s resilience allows it to be reused multiple times without losing performance, ensuring it doesn’t contribute to landfill waste.

^{Photo: Team members, Precious Henderson (left) and Zelda Anderson (right) check the quality of a bottle sample.}

Working at Southeastern Container

Southeastern Container’s Frederick County facility operates around the clock with four teams —two on dayshift and two on nightshift. The manufacturing team includes machine operators, forklift drivers, resin handlers, and maintenance technicians, all collaborating to safely and efficiently manage four blow molding production lines and sixteen injection molding lines. Salaried management opportunities encompass roles such as team leaders, quality managers, maintenance managers, human resource managers, scheduling and materials managers, operations managers, and plant manager. While a college degree is preferred for leadership positions, it is not mandatory; relevant experience, communication skills, integrity, and a positive attitude are equally valued.

Southeastern Container's core values — commitment, sustainability, teamwork, accountability, and trust — are integral to every career opportunity. By supporting one another, fostering a fun work environment, and achieving remarkable results together, Southeastern Container and its team members are well-equipped for a successful future.

“I was told a long time ago that if you find a job that you love, you’ll never work a day in your life. That’s what I found here — a job and company that I love. From the moment you walk through the doors, the atmosphere and environment are that of a large, loving family: a family that will support you on your down days and celebrate you on your up days.”  Amber Adams, Administrative Manager

^{Photo: Amber Adams, Administrative Manager, processes payroll for the week. Amber also manages accounts payable transactions and human resource needs within the facility.}

Current Southeastern team members consistently demonstrate teamwork, accountability, and trust. The company offers professional development opportunities for employees eager to advance their careers, whether through cross-training in different areas or pursuing leadership roles. Southeastern is committed to promoting from within.

^{Photo: Dennis Dunlap, Scheduling and Materials Team Leader, verifies inventory for accuracy.}

Dennis Dunlap (pictured above) began his career with SEC in 2015.  Dennis quickly demonstrated a desire to learn and advance his career.  During his first six years on the job, Dennis learned every production position within the facility.  After six years in production roles he was given the opportunity to move into the scheduling coordinator position in our front office.  In July 2024, Dennis was promoted to Scheduling and Materials Team Leader.  Dennis now has seven direct reports and he is responsible for managing all warehouse inventories, incoming raw materials, as well as outgoing shipments.  

“I started at Southeastern Container almost 10 years ago and quite honestly, I wish I had found this company 30 years ago. SEC has been very good to me and has allowed me many opportunities to grow personally and professionally. I currently work with what I think is the best leadership team I have ever been around and it helps me become a better leader as well. The way SEC takes care of its employees is unmatched by any other company I know of.” Dennis Dunlap, Scheduling and Materials Team Leader

Learn more about Southeastern Container.