Frito-Lay Ends Manufacturing at Rancho Cucamonga Plant

PepsiCo has ceased manufacturing at its Frito-Lay plant in Rancho Cucamonga, California, ending more than 50 years of snack production and resulting in the layoff of potentially hundreds of employees. Warehouse, distribution, fleet, and transportation functions at the site will continue. Severance pay and benefits are being provided to those affected, although the exact number of layoffs has not been disclosed. The plant is recognized as the birthplace of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. No WARN notice was filed with the state prior to the closure. The shutdown reflects broader snack industry challenges, including shifting consumer preferences, new federal policies, and global trade uncertainties, with PepsiCo citing a need to adjust costs amid declining sales volume.