PepsiCo recently announced the closure of its bottling plant in Maryland, leading to 143 job layoffs. The decision to cease manufacturing and warehouse operations at the Pepsi Bottling Group in Cheverly was attributed to changes in consumer demand, technology, and the company’s operating network. This move, affecting employees in fleet, transport, manufacturing, and warehouse roles, was not taken lightly, according to a PepsiCo spokesperson. The plant, which has been in operation for over 60 years, will see 98 union-represented employees losing their jobs.
Despite the layoffs, PepsiCo assured that sales and delivery operations would continue without disruption. Impacted employees will receive pay and benefits through Nov. 13. This closure follows a similar decision earlier this year when PepsiCo closed a Frito-Lay distribution plant in California, resulting in 248 job losses. Over the past few years, PepsiCo has been focusing on modernizing its supply chain and expanding its beverage business with healthier alternatives like Poppi to cater to evolving consumer preferences.