Frito-Lay to Permanently Close Orlando Plant in 2026, Impacting 500 Jobs and Reshaping Florida Snack Supply Chain

Frito-Lay, a division of PepsiCo Foods U.S., has announced it will permanently close its Orlando manufacturing and warehouse facility on May 9, 2026, affecting approximately 500 employees.

Operating since 1965, the Orlando plant has produced a wide range of iconic snacks, including Lay’s, Doritos, and Cheetos, while serving as a key regional hub for distribution throughout Florida.

The closure is part of PepsiCo’s strategic effort to consolidate production into larger, more automated facilities, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and modernize the company’s supply chain.

Industry Impact:

• Inbound shipments: Potatoes, cornmeal, cooking oils, and packaging materials currently handled by the Orlando plant will be rerouted to other PepsiCo facilities in the Southeast.
• Outbound shipments: Finished snack products and mixed pallets will be redistributed to regional warehouses and retail customers through new distribution lanes.

While the closure reduces direct freight volume in Orlando, it will create transitional logistics demand across the region, including equipment relocation, inventory redistribution, and backfill capacity in Florida and neighboring states.