PepsiCo plant in Liberty to close; county schedules job fairs and rapid-response meetings for 287 workers
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Summary
Sullivan County workforce officials say the PepsiCo (Frito‑Lay) plant in Liberty filed WARN notice and will lay off 287 workers; county and partners plan on-site rapid-response meetings, a job fair and training to help affected employees.
The PepsiCo (Frito‑Lay) plant in Liberty filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) notice and will begin phased layoffs in April, with completion expected by late May, county workforce staff said. "This closure will impact 287 employees," workforce staff member Laura said.
County and partner agencies scheduled an on-site rapid‑response meeting for March 28 to walk impacted employees through unemployment benefits, services and training available through the New York State Department of Labor and local partners. A closed, on‑site job fair for affected employees is set for March 21 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the county said the plant will be closed and employees paid to attend.
The county's Center for Workforce Development (CWD) and its director, Loreen, are coordinating with the plant's HR manager and local training providers. Laura said the CWD will provide information about local services and training opportunities, and that businesses interested in hiring should contact the Sullivan County Career Center at 794‑3340.
Officials described additional workforce supports that are already scheduled: an electrical training program starting March 25 and several in‑house recruitments at the Sullivan County Career Center, including sessions with home care employers and military/recruitment organizations. County staff said the March 21 job fair is limited to impacted employees to reduce gaps in employment.
County staff also reported a separate closure: Catholic Charities will close its outpatient treatment program on Aug. 15, a change county staff said will affect 18 workers. CWD staff said they already have a list of those positions and are tracking potential openings.
Public commenters and several committee members emphasized the broader economic impact on Liberty's Main Street businesses and families that depend on plant employment. County staff said they will discuss transportation, childcare and other supports with employees at upcoming meetings.
The committee encouraged businesses with immediate openings to apply directly to CWD and said additional updates on labor market data and program outcomes will be provided when available.