PepsiCo plans Knoxville plant closure, 112 jobs affected

PepsiCo is closing its South Knoxville bottling plant, with reports saying 112 to 122 employees will be affected. Employees were notified Oct. 19, and the plant is expected to close by Jan. 1, 2027; PepsiCo says it is working to place affected workers at nearby facilities and will provide pay and benefits through their final day of employment. The company described the decision as difficult and thanked employees and the community for their contributions.