Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo, will invest $245 million to expand its snack manufacturing site in Connecticut, US, marking the first time that Cheetos will be made in the state.
The expansion project – which will take place at Frito-Lay’s Killingly site – is expected to create 120 new jobs in the local area.
Frito-Lay plans to expand its existing manufacturing facility and warehouse, as well as add two new Cheetos manufacturing lines – marking the first time that the brand will be manufactured by the company in the state.
The Killingly site began operations in 1980 with 200 employees, but it currently employs approximately 740 full-time associates.
“We have been a proud member of the Killingly community for more than 40 years and look forward to expanding our footprint and bringing more jobs,” said Laura Maxwell, senior VP of supply chain, PepsiCo Foods North America division.
“It’s only with the support of the teams at the local and state level that this project has been able to come to fruition. They are helping enable growth in this community which ultimately supports Frito-Lay’s goals, as well.”
The project comes after Frito-Lay announced a $200 million expansion of its snack manufacturing operations in Perry, Georgia.
Governor of Connecticut, Ned Lamont, said: “As we emerge from this pandemic, we are seeing Connecticut companies of all sizes increase their workforce and expand operations. What is particularly significant is the fact that much of this growth is coming from companies like Frito-Lay that already have a presence here and know first-hand the benefits of doing business – and investing – in Connecticut.”
The state’s strategic venture capital arm, Connecticut Innovation, will provide up to $5.5 million to support the project.
Set to begin in spring 2022, the project is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2024.
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