PepsiCo to Close Liberty, NY Plant, Resulting in Nearly 300 Layoffs

PepsiCo (parent company of Frito-Lay, Inc.) has announced plans to shut down its manufacturing facility at 89 Mill Street, Liberty, New York, leading to the layoff of approximately 287 employees. The closure is scheduled to commence on May 21, 2025, with layoffs occurring over a 14-day period.

Photo from Spectrum News 1

The Liberty plant, operational for nearly three decades, has been instrumental in producing PopCorners snacks. However, PepsiCo cites insufficient growth in the product line and broader industry challenges as reasons for the facility's long-term unsustainability.

Local officials, including Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz, Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo, and Village of Liberty Mayor Joan Stoddard, have expressed deep concern over the closure's impact on the community. They emphasized the plant's integral role and pledged to support the affected workforce through collaborative efforts.

In an official statement, PepsiCo Foods USA says:

"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 has stated its commitment to assisting displaced employees during the transition. The company is coordinating with local governments and economic development groups to provide necessary support and resources.

This development follows previous workforce reductions by PepsiCo in the region, including layoffs at its Middletown plant in 2024. The Liberty plant's closure represents a significant economic setback for the area, particularly affecting local residents who have been employed there for years.