PepsiCo Beverages North America to built largest PepsiCo plant in the U.S.
PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA) acquired nearly 152 acres of land at the Denver High Point development area where it will build a state-of-the-art, 1.2 million square foot manufacturing facility. Set to open in 2023, the new facility is PBNA’s latest project as part of its near 75-year investment in the Denver community, including the company’s River North Art District location that has been in operation since the 1950s. This new development, located near the intersection of 72nd Avenue and Argonne Street, holds three times the capacity of the current facility and will be PBNA’s largest U.S. plant location.
Following a lengthy and competitive site selection process that analysed four states, PBNA chose Denver to build on its long history in the state through sustainable business. The initiative is part of PBNA’s effort to double down on its commitment to both the company’s 1,200 current Coloradan employees and Denver’s highly educated and skilled workforce populations.
With a positive value chain at the forefront of its design, the new development supports PepsiCo’s pep+ (PepsiCo Positive) pledge to positively impact people and the planet. Intended to be the company’s most sustainable domestic outpost, the new facility will aim to achieve 100% renewable electricity, best-in-class water efficiency, and reduced virgin plastic use.
From supply chain leadership roles to hourly positions including mechanics, truck drivers and forklift operators, the High Point facility will create nearly 250 new jobs in the Denver area in addition to retaining all 250 current employees who will be upskilled as needed to operate the manufacturing equipment.
PepsiCo Beverages North America’s West Division President, Johannes Evenblij, said: “With the High Point facility serving a model for the future of PBNA’s supply chain, we’re eager to continue deepening our dedication to Colorado through positive impacts such as new job opportunities and more sustainable business solutions.”
To support the new facility, PBNA is partnering with the City and County of Denver through Denver Economic Development and Opportunity (DEDO) for outreach and hiring activities to connect Denver area residents with these employment opportunities.
This project was supported by several organisations including multiple agencies within the City and County of Denver, Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade, Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation and Xcel Energy.
The new PBNA High Point facility is scheduled to open in Summer 2023 and will produce products including Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Gatorade, bubly, Rockstar, Propel and Muscle Milk.
