Tucker is undoubtedly one of the fastest-rising business destinations in the Metro Atlanta area. Each month, the Business Boom will seek to show different examples of how Tucker’s business scene is flourishing. This month's column is written by our Economic Development Manager, Jackie Moffo.
On March 11, Governor Brian Kemp made an exciting announcement as PepsiCo Beverages North America (PBNA), a division of PepsiCo, shared plans to invest $260 million into their City of Tucker manufacturing plant.
The PepsiCo plant, located at 1644 Rock Mountain Boulevard, has been in operation in the City for a number of years. As one of Tucker’s major employers, the PepsiCo plant currently employs about 464 people. This expansion will create at least 136 full-time jobs, raising Pepsi’s total workforce in DeKalb County to over 600 full-time jobs.
“This expansion will greatly increase PBNA’s production serving nearby Atlanta and the wider Georgia region to continue the growth of our business and customers in the area,” said Karen Jordan, Chief Supply Chain Officer for PBNA. “We are proud to increase our footprint locally as a supplier, producer and employer, bringing with us our gender equity and sustainability mission to create positive change.”
PepsiCo’s investment at the site will physically increase the plant’s footprint by more than 260,000 square feet and expand production five-fold by 2025. Transforming the plant into an advanced manufacturing facility, this expansion will make the Tucker plant one of the largest manufacturing facilities in Pepsi’s portfolio.
“The competitive landscape for economic development projects extends far and wide in Georgia,” said DeKalb County CEO Michael Thurmond. “We are delighted that PBNA has decided to deepen the roots they have planted here in DeKalb County. We are proud to be a part of this exciting public/private partnership that will spur job creation and economic growth.”
“This is great news for Tucker and for DeKalb County. The magnitude of the investment PBNA is making and the quality of jobs they are creating will have a significant and ongoing impact here in Tucker for years to come,” Mayor Frank Auman added. “We work hard to attract new business to Tucker, but it’s even more important to retain our existing businesses. When a leader like PBNA doubles down here with an investment of this scale, it speaks highly of Tucker’s efforts, and we’re proud to support them in every way we can.”
As Economic Development Manager for the City, I worked closely with Decide DeKalb Development Authority and the State of Georgia’s Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), along with partners including the Metro Atlanta Chamber, Georgia Quick Start, and Georgia Power to help win this competitive project.
This City of Tucker thanks the PBNA Economic Development team and all of PepsiCo for choosing to expand in our community!
