Food and beverage giant PepsiCo will soon shut down its Liberty, New York, manufacturing plant, causing concern among hundreds of employees who face looming layoffs. Local officials and community groups are already stepping in to offer support.
Nearly 300 individuals who work at the Liberty facility, known for producing PopCorners snacks, will lose their positions starting May 21. The closure, set to unfold over a two-week period, has sparked renewed worries about the region’s economic stability, especially since this plant has been a key source of employment for nearly three decades.
Why nearly 300 employees in Liberty are urgently preparing for job losses
The Liberty factory traces its origins back to 1997, when it operated under Ideal Snacks. Over time, it expanded to meet rising demand, but industry changes and slower growth have led PepsiCo to consolidate operations. Some staffers recall a 2017 downsizing under previous ownership that resulted in lawsuits from laid-off workers. Now, the latest announcement leaves families questioning their financial security once again. Have you ever wondered how small communities cope with recurring job losses?
Despite Sullivan County experiencing solid private-sector growth recently, data from the state Department of Labor indicates that around 14.8% of local residents still live in poverty. This figure underscores just how significant any large-scale job cut can be. In fact, local officials highlight the need for collaborative action to help displaced employees find new opportunities quickly.
Community leaders vow to mitigate the economic and social impact of closure
Sullivan County Legislature Chair Nadia Rajsz, Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo, and Village of Liberty Mayor Joan Stoddard have voiced their determination to reduce the blow of PepsiCo’s decision. They plan to work closely with the Chamber of Commerce, the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, and PepsiCo representatives to guide affected personnel toward fresh opportunities. Below is a short list of community-led initiatives:
- Counseling sessions for workers and their families
- Targeted job fairs to connect candidates with local businesses
- Skills development workshops at the Center for Workforce Development
Officials hope these measures will prevent long-term economic distress, especially for the Hispanic community, which has historically relied on the plant for steady income. Are you curious about how swiftly such resources can be made available? Local leaders say they intend to act fast to ease the transition.
Here is how local officials and business groups plan to support displaced workers
A timeline of the coming layoffs can be found below:
| Date Range | Estimated Layoffs |
|---|---|
| May 21 – Early June | 287 positions |
| Remainder of 2024 | Potential 13 more |
PepsiCo, valued at $209 billion, acknowledges the significant contributions made by Liberty employees. While the company pledges to collaborate with local authorities, many individuals remain uncertain about future job prospects. However, officials emphasize resilience, stating that recent county-wide economic development initiatives could help families bounce back sooner rather than later.
Though the closure signals the end of an era, local leaders remain committed to guiding displaced workers into new careers. By uniting government agencies, nonprofits, and businesses, they aim to strengthen the local economy despite the setback. Ultimately, many believe that this collective response will help Liberty navigate an undeniably challenging chapter.