Frito-Lay distribution center to bring 50 jobs, $8 million investment to one of Alabama’s poorest cities

A new distribution center is expected to bring 50 new jobs to one of Alabama’s poorest cities by June 2025.

The announcement came Monday by the Mobile Chamber that Frito-Lay North America, a division of PepsiCo. Inc., is building a 25,000-square-foot distribution center in the northwestern part of Prichard.

“This development underscores the economic vitality of our region and the strategic advantages we offer for logistics and distribution operations,” said Mobile Chamber president and CEO Bradley Byrne in a statement.

“We are excited about the job opportunities and economy growth this will bring.”

According to a Chamber spokesperson, the project’s developer – McWhorter Property Management – was granted $94,000 in sales and use tax abatements. Frito-Lay did not receive any incentives for the project.

“As we celebrate this exciting new chapter, we look forward to the positive impact this facility will have on our residents and businesses,” said Prichard Mayor Jimmy Gardner, in a statement. “Together, we will continue to foster a vibrant community where everyone can thrive.”

Mobile County Commissioner Merceria Ludgood, in a statement, said the new distribution center is approximately $8 million, which she said is a “significant capital investment” within Prichard.

“This $8 million capital outlay represents construction and other jobs,” she said. “Frito-Lay’s distribution center should ignite additional investment and stimulate the local economy.”

The investment comes to a city that has long struggled with declining population and low median incomes, often appearing at or near the bottom of poverty rankings in Alabama.

According to 2020 Census figures, 31.5% of Prichard’s approximately 19,000 residents live below the poverty line. The city’s median household income is $29,009, which is far below the state average of $52,035, and the U.S. average of around $74,500.

The city, according to the 2020 U.S. Census, lost 15% of its population since 2010.

Prichard City Council President George McCall said the new distribution center will bring “jobs and opportunities” and help boost the city’s local economy.

“We look forward to the positive impact your company will have on the growth and development of Prichard, and we are excited to partner together for a prosperous future,” he said.

Frito-Lay North America operates 30-plus manufacturing facilities and more than 200 distribution centers across the U.S. and Canada. Frito-Lay services 315,000 retail customers a week through its direct-store-delivery model.