In the long-standing cultural debate of Pepsi vs. Coca-Cola, the Mile High City may soon side with the former, as Pepsi Co. plans to open its largest US plant in Denver next summer.
PepsiCo Beverages North America announced Wednesday the acquisition of more than 150 acres in the Denver High Point development area. Near the Denver International Airport, the new manufacturing facility near the intersection of 72nd Avenue and Argonne Street will encompass more than one million square feet.
Pepsi, which has maintained a presence in Denver for nearly 75 years, selected Colorado for the site over three other states. The new plant will replace Pepsi’s facility at 3801 Brighton Blvd. in the River North Art District, and will triple its capacity.
The measure will generate around 250 new jobs. In the Centennial State, Pepsi currently supports 1,200 employees.
“We are delighted to call Denver, a city that shares many of our values, home to PepsiCo’s most sustainable plant in the United States,” said Johannes Evenblij, president of the company’s Western Division. “With the High Point facility serving as a model for the future of the PBNA supply chain, we look forward to continuing to deepen our dedication to Colorado through positive impacts such as new job opportunities and more sustainable business solutions.”
The corporate giant, which dominates the industry as one of the largest beverage companies in North America, generated more than $79 billion in net income last year. With nearly 291,000 employees worldwide, it maintains a presence in Latin America, Europe, Africa, the Middle East, Asia and Australia.
The company says the new Denver facility will be its “most sustainable home outpost,” highlighting its commitment to 100% renewable electricity, water efficiency and more.
“PepsiCo has been committed to our community for nearly 75 years and we are proud that they have chosen to deepen their roots here and grow that commitment,” Denver Mayor Michael B. Hancock said in a statement. “Your new facility will not only create more quality jobs in our city, it also significantly increases your commitment to sustainability and supports my administration’s climate action efforts.”
In March, the Denver City Council approved a $1 million incentive package to help Pepsi Co. move to the new site. The facility will produce Pepsi, Pepsi Zero Sugar, Gatorade, bubly, Rockstar, Propel, Muscle Milk and other products.
