PepsiCo to build massive state-of-the-art automated facility in Denver
PepsiCo Beverages North America on Wednesday 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 nearly 75-year investment in the Denver community, including the company's River North Art District location that has been in operation since the 1950s. The 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 analyzed 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. As 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 innovative manufacturing equipment.
"We're thrilled to call Denver, a city that shares so many of our values, home to PepsiCo's most sustainable U.S. plant location," 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.
"PepsiCo has been committed to our community for nearly 75 years, and we're proud that they have chosen to deepen their roots here and grow that commitment," said Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock. "Not only will their new facility create more quality jobs in our city, it significantly boosts their commitment to sustainability and supports my administration's climate action efforts. We've been working hand in hand with the PepsiCo team on this project and look forward to taking it across the finish line."
The project was supported by several organizations, 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.
"Our strong workforce and thriving economy are proving that Colorado is the best place to live, work, and do business, and we are thrilled over 250 new jobs are being created in our state," said Colorado Gov. Jared Polis.
"Metro Denver welcomed this opportunity to support the expansion of such a distinguished company like PepsiCo," said Raymond H. Gonzales, president of the Metro Denver Economic Development Corporation. "Their dedication to upskilling and reskilling their workforce, all while implementing sustainable business practices, speaks to the collective values of the region. We look forward to PepsiCo's future success and the positive impact their new facility will have on our communities."
The new PBNA High Point facility is scheduled to open in Summer 2023 and will produce many popular products including Pepsi, Pepsi Zero, Gatorade, bubly, Rockstar, Propel and Muscle Milk.
