Pepsi’s largest U.S. plant to open in Denver next year
In the longstanding cultural debate of Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola, the Mile High City may soon side with the former, as Pepsi Co. plans to open its largest U.S. plant in Denver next summer.
PepsiCo Beverages North America announced its acquisition of more than 150 acres at the Denver High Point development area on Wednesday. Close to Denver International Airport, the new manufacturing facility near the intersection of 72nd Avenue and Argonne Street will span over one million square feet.
Pepsi, which has maintained a presence in Denver for almost 75 years, selected Colorado for the site over three other states. The new plant will replace Pepsi’s facility at 3801 Brighton Blvd. in the River North Art District, and hold triple its capacity.
The move will result in around 250 new jobs. In the Centennial State, Pepsi currently supports 1,200 employees.
“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,” said Johannes Evenblij, the company’s West Division president. “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.”
The corporate giant, which dominates the industry as one of North America’s biggest beverage companies, generated over $79 billion in net revenue last year. Employing about 291,000 people around the world, it maintains a presence in Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
The company says the new Denver facility will be its “most sustainable domestic outpost,” highlighting its commitment to 100% renewable electricity, water efficiency and more.
“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 in a statement. “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.”
In March, the Denver City Council approved a $1 million incentive package to help Pepsi Co. move into the new site. The facility will produce Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Gatorade, bubly, Rockstar, Propel, Muscle Milk and other products.
