LIBERTY, NY. — PepsiCo, Inc. is closing a PopCorners manufacturing plant in Liberty. Layoffs at the plant are expected to begin May 21 and affect nearly 300 employees, according to a Worker Adjustment and Retaining Notification (WARN) submitted by PepsiCo with the New York State Department of Labor.

“This plant has played a vital role in producing our beloved PopCorners brand, but the pace of growth for this product line paired with broader industry pace of growth has made it difficult to sustain the site’s long-term viability,” PepsiCo said. “We deeply appreciate the contributions of our Liberty employees, and this decision does not diminish the value of their hard work and dedication. We have notified our workforce and are working closely with our employees and local community officials to provide a supportive transition.”

PopCorners, a popcorn that is popped in a triangular form to take on the shape of a tortilla chip, was introduced in November 2010 by Medora Snacks LLC. Five years later, in 2015, Medora Snacks and the PopCorners brand were acquired by private equity firm Permira. Permira would go on to combine Medora Snacks and Ideal Snacks Holding Corp. into a single holding company called BFY Holdings I, LLC. PepsiCo acquired BFY and the PopCorners business in December 2019.