IRELAND – PepsiCo has submitted a planning application for the expansion of its Cork manufacturing facility in Little Island, Ireland.
The proposed development includes an additional 12,207 square meters of floor space spread over four levels, with the new structure reaching a maximum height of 28.21 meters.
This expansion aims to enhance the production and warehouse capabilities of the facility.
A spokeswoman for PepsiCo confirmed the submission of the planning application, stating that the expansion will feature a multi-level building extension, along with associated utilities and access works.
Additionally, the project includes the construction of a new communications building. While the spokeswoman did not specify if the expansion would create more jobs, she highlighted the company’s commitment to enhancing its operations in Ireland.
PepsiCo’s Little Island facility, which has been operational since 1974, currently employs over 650 of the more than 1,250 team members in Ireland.
The facility is a key manufacturing site for PepsiCo, encompassing 11.7 hectares of the Little Island industrial estate.
This new expansion is distinct from a €39 million (US$42.46M) expansion announced last autumn, which included the addition of a solar PV installation.
That project followed a previous €127 million (US$138.27M) expansion plan at the site. The latest planning application is currently at the pre-validation stage with Cork County Council, with a decision expected by August 29.
The announcement of the expansion comes as PepsiCo reported mixed quarterly results. The company faced declining demand for its drinks and snacks in North America, although net sales for the quarter grew nearly 1 percent to US$22.5 billion, driven by strong international business.
PepsiCo’s organic revenue, excluding the effects of acquisitions, divestitures, and currency fluctuations, increased by 1.9 percent, reflecting solid performance in global markets.
Despite the challenges in North America, PepsiCo remains optimistic about growth prospects within its US$36 billion international segment, which made up nearly 40 percent of its annual net revenue in 2023 and features an expanding core operating margin.
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