Coca-Cola Partnership Expands FAME’s Impact

Since being entrusted with FAME in 2019, the Manufacturing Institute has expanded FAME’s reach across the nation, helping manufacturing build sustainable talent pipelines in 17 states. This growth has been supported by partners who recognize the value of investing in workforce development, including The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola UNITED.

The Coca-Cola Foundation’s journey with FAME began when Coca-Cola UNITED, one of the largest bottlers in the Coca-Cola system, joined the AL FAME – Magic City chapter. Seeing the impact of FAME and recognizing the model’s potential to transform workforce pipelines in communities across the country, the Foundation chose to invest in the FAME model.

Through this investment, The Coca-Cola Foundation is helping FAME USA expand into new communities while strengthening existing chapters, ensuring more manufacturers have access to the skilled talent they need to grow and thrive. At the same time, this investment is opening doors for individuals to access high-quality, in-demand careers, reinforcing the connection between workforce development, economic mobility and community prosperity.

The Coca-Cola Foundation’s investment is an important signal to the broader manufacturing and philanthropic communities: demonstrating that employer-led workforce models like FAME are not only effective, but worthy of continued investment and scale. Their leadership helps catalyze additional interest and support, further amplifying FAME’s impact across the country.

“We are proud to be supported by The Coca-Cola Company, The Coca-Cola Foundation and Coca-Cola UNITED as we continue to grow the FAME network nationwide,” said Tony Davis, National Director of FAME USA. “Their commitment to workforce development reflects a shared belief in expanding opportunity and strengthening communities through manufacturing careers. We value their partnership and the role it plays in advancing manufacturing’s success.”

Coca-Cola UNITED’s experience shows the value of investing in proven workforce solutions like FAME USA and what’s possible when industry and philanthropy align around a shared goal. By joining a local FAME chapter or helping launch one in their community, manufacturers can play a direct role in shaping the next generation of maintenance technicians, manufacturing professionals and frontline leaders