May 12, 2021

(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont and the Town of Killingly today announced that Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo and a leading snack manufacturer, is embarking on a $235 million expansion project at its Killingly manufacturing site, where the company plans to create 120 new jobs.

Frito-Lay’s Killingly site began operations in 1980 with just 200 employees, and currently employs approximately 740 full-time associates at the site.

“As we emerge from this pandemic, we are seeing Connecticut companies of all sizes increase their workforce and expand operations,” Governor Lamont said. “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.”

“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,” Laura Maxwell, senior vice president of supply chain, PepsiCo Foods North America, said. “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.”

Through the project, Frito-Lay will expand its existing manufacturing facility and warehouse, as well as add two new Cheetos manufacturing lines. This is the first time that Cheetos will be manufactured by Frito-Lay in Connecticut.

The building expansion is set to begin in spring 2022 and the project is expected to be complete in the second quarter of 2024. The project will require local zoning approval, and the Town Council will receive an informational presentation of the project from Frito-Lay at its Special Town Council Meeting on the evening of May 12.

“We are very excited to celebrate Frito-Lay’s continued success and expansion,” Killingly Town Manager Mary Calorio said. “This is more than an investment in a building and equipment. This is an investment in people and their careers. We applaud Frito-Lay for its consistent dedication to the Killingly community and region.”

Connecticut Innovations, the state’s strategic venture capital arm, is supporting the project by providing up to $5.5 million in sales and use tax exemptions on capital equipment and construction materials.

“This latest investment by Frito-Lay is a clear indication of its commitment to Connecticut and we are thrilled to be such an integral part of the company’s long-term growth plans,” Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman said. “The company’s decision to expand its facilities and workforce is great news for the state and region.”