ADMIRAL BEVERAGE HISTORY

Fremont Beverages has been quenching the thirst of new Pepsi generations for almost 47 years. Thanks to a chance meeting with a Denver Pepsi-Cola bottler in 1945, Newell Sargent decided to leave his employment at George W. Clayton College for
Boys and venture into the soft drink business. A two year search for a small bottling plant led Mr. Sargent and his wife, Mabel, to Worland, Wyoming. The Sargents sold their home and borrowed money from both their parents and an Aunt, and purchased
the Worland Bottling Plant. They opened for business as Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in June of 1947. The one-production-line operation bottled two flavors - Pepsi-Cola and Nesbitt Orange. In the early days at 821 Pulliam in Worland, Mr. Sargent batched
and Mrs. Sargent ran the twelve spout Diamond filler. Two full time employees completed the work force that produced, sold and distributed 1100 cases a week. It was a modest beginning to a Company that now employs over 1000 people with 29 facilities operating
in a five state region, and producing 48 flavors and brands in bottles, cans and juice packs.

Among the many flavors produced and distributed by Fremont and Admiral Beverages are: Pepsi, Diet Pepsi, Caffiene Free Pepsi, Mountain Dew, 7UP, Dr. Pepper, Crystal Pepsi, A&W Root beer, Slice, Nehi grape, Sunglo, Orange Crush and many more.

The soft drink industry weathered difficult times brought on by sugar rationing during the Korean conflict. According to Mr. Sargent, the Schlitz Beer franchise acquired in 1948, kept him in business. In spite of adversities, the business edged ahead and branched
out into the Riverton market. once again a name change was in order. Fremont Beverages was chosen in recognition of pioneer Scout, John Fremont. Years of hard work, growth and reward were not without heartache. Tragedy struck on December 30, 1960, when Mabel Sargent
was killed in a vehicle accident while returning home from deliveries in Cody.
 
Continual growth and increased sales during the decade of the 50's had already made evident the need for an associate. January 1, 1961, Forrest L. Clay joined the company as a partner and secretary- treasurer. Working together Forrest and Newell built the business
into a thriving enterprise with greatly expanded services. Both men worked inexhaustibly along side a growing workforce in every phase of the operation.
 
In 1962 Newell married Vera Hansen of Worland. They lived in an apartment adjoining the production facility for many years, before expanding the production facility and builing a home in the country. 
 
During the 1960's the corporation purchased the 7up Bottling Company in Thermopolis and, Pepsi-Cola and 7Up in Casper, widening its service area. 
 
Until 1970, only bottled soft drinks were produced at the Worland plant. In January of 1970, thirteen independent bottlers pooled their resources to build a beverage canning line in Worland, forming the company known as Admiral Beverage Corporation. Fremont Beverages
was authorized to operate Admiral's canning line, necessitating construction of additional buildings and installation of sophisticated canning equipment. The Pepsi-Cola franchise was further expanded into the Cheyenne and Laramie area in 1972. At this time the Company
held franchises for the areas of Worland, Riverton, Powell, Casper, Cheyenne and Laramie.

Since 1972, Admiral Beverage has expanded to include Rapid City and Spearfish, South Dakota, Idaho Falls and Pocatello, Idaho, Provo, Roosevelt, Salina, Salt Lake City, Ogden and Logan, Utah, and Great Falls, Havre and Shelby, Montana.

Additional production facilities have been added as well. Besides two can lines and the original bottle line located in Worland, Ogden, Utah has two production facilities - one produces cans and soft sided juice packs, the other produces bottles, and there is a bottling
facility in Provo, Utah.

Fremont Beverages, Admiral Beverages and their associated companies employ approximately 300 Wyoming residents. They are an important part of the tax base of the counties and of the State. The Companies have a stabilizing effect in times of struggling business and high
unemployment. One example of economic expansion resulting from the Companies' growth is the location of Crown, Cork and Seal in Worland to supply cans for beverage use at Admiral Beverage for its Worland and Ogden facilities.

Fremont Beverages, Inc. and Admiral Beverage Corporation has helped provide prosperity and growth to Wyoming, through the leadership of two fine men, who believe in keeping the Wyoming dream alive.

Continue to read about our Production Process - Click Here