PepsiCo Closing Plant with Hundreds of LayoffsPepsiCo Closing Plant with Hundreds of Layoffs

PepsiCo announced the closure of its food manufacturing plant in Liberty, NY, on Wednesday. The plant manufactures PopCorners popcorn-based snacks.

The layoffs will occur over 14 days starting May 21, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notification PepsiCo filed with the state Department of Labor which was obtained by the Times Union. The notice states that the affected employees are not unionized.

The Frito-Lay plant in Liberty has been a fixture in the city for nearly 30 years.

“This plant has played a vital role in producing our beloved PopCorners brand, but the pace of growth for this product line paired with broader industry pace of growth has made it difficult to sustain the site’s long-term viability,” PepsiCo said in a statement to the Times Union. “We deeply appreciate the contributions of our Liberty employees, and this decision does not diminish the value of their hard work and dedication. We have notified our workforce and are working closely with our employees and local community officials to provide a supportive transition.”

PepsiCo cited challenges in sustaining the plant’s long-term viability due to the brand’s rapid growth. In a statement to Radio Catskill, the company acknowledged employees’ contributions, saying, “This decision does not diminish the value of their hard work and dedication. We are working closely with our employees and local community officials to provide a supportive transition.”

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Frito-Lay has more than 30 manufacturing plants across the country, where they convert ingredients such as corn and potatoes into snacks. Based in Plano, TX, other locations include Aberdeen, MD; Arlington, TX; Beloit, WI; Dallas, TX; Canton, OH; Casa Grande, AZ; Charlotte, NC; Denver, CO; Fayetteville, TN; Frankfort, IN; Irving, TX; Jonesboro, AR; Bakersfield, CA; Killingly, CT; Kirkwood, NY; Lynchburg, VA; Modesto, CA; Orlando, FL; Perry, GA; Pulaski, TN; Rancho Cucamonga, CA; Randolph, MA; Rosenberg, TX; San Antonio, TX; Topeka, KS; Vancouver, WA; West Valley, UT; Williamsport, PA; Wooster, OH; and York, PA.