Our Story
Thirty Years of Trust.
One Family. One Standard.
Founded in 1995, The R. L. Hawkins Group has built its reputation on something no national distributor can manufacture, relationships earned over decades.
30+
Years in Business
Fortune 500
Clients Served
2
Generations of Leadership
50 States
Corporate & Government
How We Got Here
Built on 17 Years Inside
The Coca-Cola Company
Robert L. Hawkins didn't enter the packaging industry as an outsider. For 17 years, he managed all purchasing agreements for packaging materials across Coca-Cola USA's North American fountain syrup manufacturing plants, one of the most complex procurement roles in American consumer goods.
In 1984, he played a key role in introducing the "Bag-In-Box" system that revolutionized how soft drinks reach the fountain market.
He took that knowledge, the suppliers, the standards, the relationships, and founded The R. L. Hawkins Group, Inc. Coca-Cola USA became his first customer in 1996. They have been with us ever since.
1978 – 1995
17 Years at The Coca-Cola Company
Territory Sales Manager in the mid-Atlantic region, then Buyer for Coca-Cola USA, managing all packaging procurement across North American manufacturing plants. Instrumental in the 1984 "Bag-In-Box" industry innovation.
1995
The R. L. Hawkins Group, Inc. Founded
Robert L. Hawkins launches the company in Decatur, Georgia, drawing on deep industry expertise and relationships cultivated over nearly two decades inside one of the world's most demanding supply chains.
1996
Coca-Cola Becomes First Customer
Featured in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Personal Technology section: "A High-Tech Home Office." The coverage, including mention of Coca-Cola as a client, significantly elevated the company's profile and attracted additional Fortune 500 clients.
2000
National Recognition
Named Atlanta Minority Supplier/Distributor Firm of the Year by the U.S. Department of Commerce for excellence in service and commitment to quality.
2024
A New Generation Joins
Michael A. Hawkins joins the company full-time, bringing advanced scientific and analytical expertise. The founder's son was warmly received at client locations across four states within his first 60 days, ensuring continuity for the relationships that define this business.
