A major employer in San Bernardino County is preparing for another round of layoffs as Frito-Lay moves forward with plans to shut down its Rancho Cucamonga facility. Nearly 250 additional jobs are expected to be eliminated later this year, adding to previous workforce reductions at the same site.
Inland Empire workers affected by distribution center closure
A major round of layoffs is coming to San Bernardino County as Frito-Lay, a subsidiary of PepsiCo, prepares to close its distribution facility in Rancho Cucamonga.
The closure will result in approximately 248 employees losing their jobs, according to state WARN filings. The facility, which has served as a key logistics hub for snack distribution across Southern California, is expected to wind down operations this spring. (There were hundreds of layoffs at the same facility last year in different departments.)
Rancho Cucamonga closure impacts logistics and warehouse workers
The affected workers include warehouse staff, drivers, and operational support roles tied to Frito-Lay’s regional distribution network. Rancho Cucamonga has long been a strategic location for food and beverage logistics due to its proximity to major highways and population centers, making the loss particularly significant for the local workforce.
San Bernardino County has seen steady growth in warehouse and distribution jobs over the past decade, but recent industry consolidation has begun to reverse that trend in some areas.
Part of broader food and beverage industry restructuring
The layoffs are part of a broader restructuring effort by PepsiCo as it streamlines operations and consolidates facilities nationwide. Like many food and beverage companies, the snack giant is responding to higher operating costs, changing consumer demand, and increased automation within distribution networks.
While PepsiCo has not indicated plans to exit the Inland Empire entirely, the closure underscores growing volatility in a sector once considered relatively stable.
Economic ripple effects for San Bernardino County
Layoffs of this size can have ripple effects beyond the facility itself, impacting transportation providers, maintenance vendors, and nearby small businesses that rely on daily employee traffic.
Displaced workers may be eligible for job retraining and placement assistance through county and state workforce programs as the closure date approaches.
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