Feb. 23--Coca-Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated is the latest company to suspend matching contributions to its employees' 401(k) plan.

The move starts April 1 for the Charlotte company. It has about 6,000 workers, including 1,200 in Charlotte. The bottling company provides matching contributions on a dollar-for-dollar basis of up to 5 percent of an employee's annual eligible pay.

Coca-Cola Bottling expects to save $7 million to $8 million this year with the move, spokesman Lauren Steele said this afternoon. "We hope this (suspension) is temporary," he added.

A number of companies, including Charlotte Observer parent the McClatchy Co., have been suspending matching contributions as the recession grinds on.

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