Laying the cornerstone – PepsiCo to implement another investment project in Poland

The American company PepsiCo has announced that its fifth – and so far, the largest – investment project in Poland will consist in erecting a new snack factory with an area of approximately seven football fields on a 30-hectare plot in Święte, located near Środa Śląska in Poland’s Dolnośląskie Voivodeship.

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki and Silviu Popovici, CEO of PepsiCo Europe, took part in a cornerstone laying ceremony initiating the facility’s construction.

“Many countries strive to attract the best investors. In virtually all rankings, Poland is at the forefront of those that can attract international investors with their advantages”, PM Morawiecki emphasized. He also congratulated the entire PepsiCo team and noted that choosing Poland as the site of such environmentally friendly investment projects is critical.

New investment project to bring new jobs to region

Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Poland has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the European Union. This is thanks to the support provided to entrepreneurs by the Polish government. Under the Anti-Crisis Shield and Financial Shield initiatives, Polish companies received over PLN 237 billion.
PepsiCo’s new investment project in Poland will create many new jobs. As of today, the US investor employs more than 3,600 people, however, its extensive supply chain contributes to the maintenance of as many as 15,000 jobs across our country.

“It is truly heartwarming to hear that Poland’s greatest advantage as an investment project location is its excellent workforce”, the Prime Minister remarked.

Importantly, the new facility will provide even more job opportunities as PepsiCo plans to employ over 450 qualified employees.

PepsiCo plant construction to benefit local farmers

The opening of a snack factory in the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship is also an excellent opportunity for the local farmers. They will supply the plant with their produce under the so-called “Agro Farming Programme” initiated by PepsiCo more than 28 years ago.

“The investment project will also benefit local farmers, who will be able to sell their produce to the new plant near Środa Śląska in the Dolnośląskie Voivodeship. This is good news for Polish farmers, producers and subcontractors”, PM Morawiecki emphasized.

As of today, PepsiCo works with as many as 80 farms throughout Poland. And this is just the beginning. It is planned that more than 20 new suppliers will enter PepsiCo’s chain. Each year, the company acquires over 230,000 tonnes of potatoes from farmers. The establishment of the new facility is expected to increase the demand for such deliveries by a further 60,000 tonnes per year. An increase in maize deliveries is also planned – from 10,000 tonnes by 2023, up to 30,000 tonnes by 2027.

Environmentally friendly company

Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki emphasized the unique nature of the planned investment project, combining energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and innovation. It will be the world's first PepsiCo facility designed with CO2 emissions measured throughout the entire cycle – from design to construction to operation.

Furthermore, the factory will be equipped with the most advanced production lines available, resulting in the lowest water, energy and gas consumption per 1 kg of production. The US investor will also set up water and technological heat recovery systems, as well as a system for converting heat into cooling and heating for the building. A proprietary photovoltaics system will be installed on the office building. The facility will also be equipped with the best-in-class sewage pre-treatment plant and an electric vehicle charging station will be set up in the car park.

PepsiCo is a US company that is one of the world’s largest soft drink and food product manufacturers. It owns such brands as Pepsi, Lay’s and Cheetos.