Frito-Lay facilities close in Orlando; nearly 500 jobs lost ahead of holidays

Frito-Lay facilities close in Orlando

Nearly 500 people lost their jobs after the company said Tuesday that it was immediately closing its manufacturing and warehouse operations in Orlando after reviewing its business needs.

ORLANDO, Fla. - PepsiCo Foods U.S. is closing two Frito-Lay facilities in Orlando, leaving hundreds of people without a job ahead of the holidays.

The company said Tuesday that it was immediately closing its manufacturing and warehouse operations in Orlando after reviewing its business needs. Nearly 500 people have lost their jobs, according to WARN notices filed with the state. 

What we know:

According to WARN notices filed with the state, the company is closing a manufacturing plant on Silver Star Road and a support warehouse on Parks Oaks Avenue. 

A total of 454 workers at the manufacturing plant have been laid off, according to the notice. The positions include packaging machine operators, technicians, general laborers and maintenance mechanics. 

All 46 workers at the support warehouse will be laid off by May 9, 2026, the company said in the notice.

The company said it is prepared to work with state and local government agencies to assist all employees. 

The company also said it will provide affected employees with pay, benefits and job placement assistance. 

A ‘difficult' decision

What they're saying:

Pepsi Co. released the following statement to FOX 35 on Tuesday about the closings:

"Today, PepsiCo Foods U.S. announced the shutdown of manufacturing and warehouse operations at our Orlando plant. This was a difficult decision, as we know how much this site and its people mean to the Orlando community. This action was driven by business needs, and we are committed to treating every impacted employee with care – providing transition assistance, career support, and pay and benefits during this time."

What we don't know:

The Frito-Lay plant on Silver Star Road has been in operation since 1965. It's unclear what will happen with the facility and the support warehouse following the closures.