Attends grand opening festivities for $150 million facility in Lynchburg
Lynchburg - Virginia Governor Jim Gilmore today attended a grand opening ceremony for Frito-Lay's new manufacturing and distribution facility in Lynchburg. The plant is expected to create 800 new jobs for Virginians as a result of a $150 million investment. Frito-Lay originally announced plans to build the plant in Virginia in May 1996 and predicts it will contribute nearly $2.5 billion to the Commonwealth's economy over the next 10 years.
"Today marks an exciting milestone for Lynchburg and the entire Commonwealth of Virginia," said Governor Gilmore. "Because of Frito-Lay's confidence in our dedicated workforce, excellent transportation system and high quality of life, this $150 million facility is now a reality. Virginians throughout this region join me today in welcoming this dynamic company to Lynchburg."
The Frito-Lay Company is headquartered in Plano, Texas, and employs more than 92,000 people worldwide. In 1965 it merged with the Pepsi-Cola Company to form PepsiCo, Inc. Frito-Lay's products account for 60 percent of PepsiCo's total profits. Nine of the company's brands are among the 20 best-selling brands in major North American supermarkets. The new state-of-the-art facility in Lynchburg will produce and distribute WOW Fat-Free Lay's and Ruffles potato chips and Doritos Brand tortilla chips. Approximately 200 employees have been hired to date.
"Virginia and the City of Lynchburg have worked tirelessly to help us locate our new plant here," said Jim Rich, Vice President of Frito-Lay. "And in return, we are committed to stimulating the economic growth of the city and state as we continue to bolster Frito-Lay's business."
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership, the City of Lynchburg, the Lynchburg Industrial Development Authority and Region 2000 assisted the company with its decision in 1996. A $1 million grant from the Governor's Opportunity Fund was presented to Lynchburg to assist with site preparation. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance is providing workforce training services.
"This is the perfect example of a community, region and state successfully working together with industry," said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Barry E. DuVal. "Frito-Lay's new facility will pay great dividends to Virginia's future economic growth."
Governor Gilmore presented a Lenox plate to the Lynchburg Frito-Lay leadership team as a token of the Commonwealth's appreciation.
# # #