Frito-Lay expansion in the bagMCC SUBHEAD> Company sees creation of 75 new jobs with $40 million additionMCC BYLINE1>
Frito-Lay celebrated on Monday a $40 million expansion that created 75 jobs in Topeka.
An expansion of 40,000 square feet created a new production line for SunChips — a whole grain chip that has gained in popularity in recent years as consumers have looked for healthier snacks.
Sherry Scanlon and Rosa Contreras boxed cinnamon Sun Chips made at the Frito-Lay plant in Topeka. Frito-Lay recently expanded and created 75 new jobs.
IN THE CHIPS
Frito-Lay opened its Topeka plant more than 35 years ago. Today, the company has 840 employees in Topeka with the average wage of $18.50 per hour. Starting wage is more than $16 per hour. The plant produces Lays, Ruffles, Cheetos, Doritos, Funyuns, Fritos, Tostitos and SunChips.
"In the last two years, we've seen phenomenal growth," said Aurora Gonzalez, company spokeswoman.
She said the investment in Topeka fits with parent company PepsiCo Inc.'s commitment to health and wellness. Indra K. Nooyi, president and CEO of PepsiCo, wants performance with a purpose and the sustainability of safe products, the environment and its people, Gonzalez said.
Frito-Lay first produced SunChips at its Irving, Texas, plant in 1991, but the company now has SunChips production in seven plants.
SunChips production in Topeka began in March, said Mark Brinker, region vice president for Frito-Lay.
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