Closure begins May 21, raising fresh concerns about economic stability in Sullivan County.
Nearly three decades of PopCorners production in Liberty will come to an abrupt end next month as PepsiCo prepares to close its only Sullivan County facility, shedding roughly 287 positions during a two‑week period that starts May 21, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification filed with the New York Department of Labor. A handful of additional cuts may follow before year‑end, leaving many families scrambling for answers.
Why PepsiCo’s decision to close its Liberty factory alarms local families
The Liberty plant opened in 1997 under Ideal Snacks and expanded in 2003, becoming a reliable paycheck for hundreds of residents. So, why pull the plug now? PepsiCo cites national snack‑market headwinds that require “streamlined operations,” yet workers remember a similar squeeze in 2023 when 200 jobs vanished just before the site changed hands.
Sullivan County’s poverty rate still hovers at 14.8 percent, so any mass layoff hits harder here than in more diversified labor markets. Worried about what comes next? Many households depend on this single employer for health coverage and overtime income, making the shutdown more than just another corporate move.
How many workers are affected and when each round of layoffs will hit
The company plans a staggered approach to downsizing. The timeline below shows the key dates regulators and employees are watching:
| Date range | Estimated layoffs |
|---|---|
| May 21 – early June | 287 positions |
| Remainder of 2024 | Up to 13 more |
Management notified staff last week, providing the federally required 60‑day warning. Employees clocking out for the last time in early June will receive severance, though terms vary by tenure. Ever wonder whether PepsiCo could sell the plant instead of closing it outright? Company spokespeople say no buyer emerged with the capital needed to modernize aging equipment.
Community leaders coordinate counseling, training, and job placement to cushion the blow
County officials met Monday with PepsiCo executives, the Chamber of Commerce, and workforce agencies to assemble a rapid‑response plan. Here’s what is on the table so far:
- On‑site counseling sessions for employees and their families
- Job‑search boot camps hosted by the Center for Workforce Development
- Fast‑track hiring agreements with nearby food, healthcare, and tourism employers
Village Mayor Joan Stoddard believes these partnerships “can turn a painful moment into a fresh start,” while Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz has promised weekly updates on new openings. First priority will go to long‑term employees with specialized production skills, but entry‑level roles in warehousing and hospitality are also earmarked.
What should displaced workers do right now?
Affected staff are urged to file for unemployment benefits as soon as they receive their final paycheck and to register for county job‑matching programs within 30 days. Staying proactive, officials say, will shorten the gap between paychecks and help keep Liberty’s economy afloat.