Maryland Commerce Supports Frito-Lay Expansion: Company to Add 140 New Jobs
Harford County expansion includes new distribution center, additional manufacturing lines
BALTIMORE, MD (May 19, 2016) – The Maryland Department of Commerce is supporting the expansion of Frito-Lay’s manufacturing and distribution center in Aberdeen, which is slated to boost the company’s Harford County workforce. The Plano, Texas-based convenient foods business unit of PepsiCo, Frito-Lay is investing $122 million to construct a new 165,000 square-foot automated distribution center, upgrade its wastewater treatment system, and install two more manufacturing lines. As part of the expansion, the company plans to add 140 employees to its current Aberdeen workforce. Frito-Lay has been operating in Aberdeen since 1994 and has undergone several expansions over the past two decades.
“It is a tremendous win for the state and for Harford County that Frito-Lay is continuing to grow its presence in Maryland,” said Governor Larry Hogan. “This expansion and the jobs being created underscores our administration’s promise to make Maryland more business friendly and create new opportunities for our citizens.”
To assist with the expansion, the Maryland Department of Commerce has approved a $1 million conditional grant through the Maryland Economic Development Assistance Authority and Fund (MEDAAF). The company is also eligible for a number of state and local tax credits. Additionally, the Harford County Office of Economic Development is providing up to $100,000 in workforce technical training grants over the next eight years to assist with enhancing employee skills. The county is also providing assistance with permitting approvals.
“Harford County is pleased to be home to Frito-Lay’s long-term investment in quality product generation and to the qualified workforce that supports the continued growth of this company which is vested in our community,” said Harford County Executive Barry Glassman. “Frito-Lay is not only a national household brand but a local workforce icon here in Harford County.”
“We are proud that an industry leader like Frito-Lay is continuing to invest in Maryland,” said Maryland Commerce Secretary Mike Gill. “With access to one-third of the U.S. population within an overnight drive, Maryland is an ideal partner in the global supply chain. We look forward to continuing to work with Frito-Lay to make their facility here even more efficient and effective.”
“Frito-Lay is a valued member of the business community in Aberdeen,” said Aberdeen Mayor Patrick L. McGrady. “We are pleased to see their continued investment in the City of Aberdeen and look forward to more great years of good-paying jobs, solid community activity from the employees, and impressive operations at their state-of-the-art facility.”
About Maryland Commerce
The Maryland Department of Commerce stimulates private investment and creates jobs by attracting new businesses, encouraging the expansion and retention of existing companies, and providing financial assistance to Maryland companies. The Department promotes the State’s many economic advantages and markets local products and services at home and abroad to spur economic development and international investment, trade and tourism. Because they are major economic generators, the Department also supports the arts, film production, sports and other special events. For more information, visit commerce.maryland.gov.
