Frito Lay plans another expansion in Jonesboro, could add up to 30 jobs

Frito Lay is tentatively ready to expand their Jonesboro operations again, with the company asking the city to pass a resolution allowing for up to $150 million in taxable industrial development bonds to build new food processing lines, and a warehouse.

The lines will be used in the processing, packaging, and handling of food products, according to the company.

This newest expansion will add as many as 30 jobs, and will push the Jonesboro plant’s employment to more than 500 employees when the project is completed, Talk Business & Politics has learned.

Company officials remain mum as to how much the newest project will cost. Repeated attempts to reach Frito Lay spokesman Chris Kuechenmeister for comment were unsuccessful.

The resolution approving the bonds has passed the city’s finance committee and will now be considered by the City Council on Oct. 4. A public hearing will be held prior to the city council meeting to allow the public comment about the proposed bond issue.

Frito Lay produces a range of snack food products at its Jonesboro plant including Lay’s, Ruffles, Doritos, and other chip staples at its 2810 Quality Way location. The company announced earlier this year a more than $45 million expansion that is slated to be mostly completed by the end of the year.

At least 30 new employees will be hired as a result of this expansion. This warehouse and waste facility expansion will add about 95,000-square-feet to the facility when finished.