RICHMOND - Virginia Governor Mark R. Warner today announced that Frito-Lay unveiled an expansion plan that includes a $30 million investment and 100 new jobs. Virginia successfully competed with several other states for two additional product lines. Production will begin on the new Tostitos Scoops® in six months, with the second product line launching in eighteen months.
“This expansion is great news for the entire Lynchburg region and its skilled workforce,” said Governor Warner. “Frito-Lay’s numerous facilities in our state brand the company as a solid Virginia corporate citizen.”
The Frito-Lay Company, headquartered in Purchase, New York, is the convenience fun foods division of PepsiCo, Inc. The company makes and sells snacks including Doritos, Lay’s, Ruffles, Tostitos, Cheetos, Quaker Chewy Bars, Quaker Fruit and Oatmeal Bars and Gatorade Energy Bars. Frito-Lay North America, based in Plano, Texas, employs more than 92,000 people worldwide. In 1965, it merged with the Pepsi-Cola Company to form PepsiCo, Inc. Frito-Lay's products account for 60 percent of PepsiCo's total profits. Nine of the company's brands are among the 20 best-selling brands in major North American supermarkets.
“The City of Lynchburg has provided us with great opportunities to maintain our successful operation and we continue to grow,” said Barbara Buchanan, Region Vice President of Frito-Lay. “We’re delighted to expand our Lynchburg facility and continue providing the region with America’s favorite snack.”
Governor Warner approved a $400,000 performance-based grant for Frito-Lay from the Virginia Investment Partnership, a program available to existing Virginia firms. The Virginia
Economic Development Partnership, the City of Lynchburg and Virginia’s Region 2000 assisted the company with its decision. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide workforce training services.
“When Frito-Lay first came to Lynchburg in 1998, we were expecting great things,” said Lynchburg Mayor Carl B. Hutcherson, Jr. “We have not been disappointed. This announcement of a second expansion and the hiring of 100 additional employees continue to prove that Frito-Lay has confidence in the City of Lynchburg."