Frito-Lay Inc. opened discussions Thursday with the West Valley Redevelopment Agency for development of a proposed $30 million food processing plant at West Ridge Commerce Park.
Bob Buchanan, RDA administrator, said the agency will be asked to act on a letter of intent by the food giant to build a facility with RDA participation on a site within the business park, which is located at 4700 S. 6400 West.According to West Valley sources, Frito-Lay, a wholly owned subsidiary of PepsiCo, is proposing to construct a $20 million facility with $10 million in equipment to process Utah potatoes for snack-food products. The operation would employ about 150 people.
"It would be a good asset to have in our community," Buchanan said, adding that details of the plan may be presented by Frito-Lay officials following a special meeting of the RDA.
If Frito-Lay acts on the proposal, it will be the second major national firm within the past six months to select the city-owned business park for expanded operations.
Established four years ago as a buffer zone around the Hercules Aerospace Co.'s operations, West Ridge has enjoyed a resurgence in interest since Matrixx, Inc., a national telemarketing firm, picked a 48-acre parcel in the park for a major telemarketing center employing more than 1,500 people.