Cheetos To Be Made In Connecticut: Frito-Lay To Expand In State

CONNECTICUT — Cheetos are about to be made in Connecticut for the first time with the brand's parent company announcing a stronger presence in the state.

Gov. Ned Lamont and officials in Killingly Wednesday said that Frito-Lay is undertaking a $235 million expansion project at its Killingly manufacturing site in a plan that includes the creation of 120 new jobs. The deal includes some state incentives.

Frito-Lay is a division of PepsiCo.

"As we emerge from this pandemic, we are seeing Connecticut companies of all sizes increase their work force and expand operations," Lamont said. "What is particularly significant is the fact that much of this growth is coming from companies like Frito-Lay that already have a presence here and know first-hand the benefits of doing business – and investing – in Connecticut."

Frito-Lay's Killingly site began operations in 1980 with 200 employees. The plant currently has about 740 full-time workers.

"We have been a proud member of the Killingly community for more than 40 years and look forward to expanding our footprint and bringing more jobs," said Laura Maxwell, senior vice president of supply chain for PepsiCo Foods' North American division. "It’s only with the support of the teams at the local and state level that this project has been able to come to fruition. They are helping enable growth in this community which ultimately supports Frito-Lay's goals, as well."

Frito-Lay plans to expand its existing manufacturing facility and warehouse, as well as add two new Cheetos manufacturing lines. This is the first time that Cheetos will be manufactured by Frito-Lay in Connecticut.

The project is set to begin in spring 2022 and the target for completion is the second quarter of 2024, officials said. The project will require local zoning approval, and the Killingly Town Council will receive an informational presentation on the project from Frito-Lay at a May 12 special town council meeting.

"We are very excited to celebrate Frito-Lay’s continued success and expansion," Killingly Town Manager Mary Calorio said. "This is more than an investment in a building and equipment. This is an investment in people and their careers. We applaud Frito-Lay for its consistent dedication to the Killingly community and region."

Connecticut Innovations, the state's strategic venture capital arm, is supporting the project by providing up to $5.5 million in sales and use tax exemptions on capital equipment and construction materials, Lamont said.

"This latest investment by Frito-Lay is a clear indication of its commitment to Connecticut and we are thrilled to be such an integral part of the company's long-term growth plans," Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner David Lehman said. "The company’s decision to expand its facilities and workforce is great news for the state and region."