Pepsi to build larger warehouse and add jobs in Montrose

MONTROSE June 23, 2005—The Pepsi Bottling Group announced Wednesday it will expand its operations in Montrose rather than build a new distribution center in Grand Junction.

The Montrose Economic Development Corporation gave the company incentives to stay in the community, said Sandy Head, president of MEDC.

“We did not want those Montrose jobs to leave,” Head said. “They’re great paying jobs, and Pepsi is a great community supporter.”

The company now operates a 4,000-square foot distribution center with 10 employees.

The new warehouse will be between 20,000 and 25,000 square feet, and the company anticipates adding another five employees, Head said.

The company will build a new building in the industrial lot in north Montrose.

“We offered them a lot in the industrial park,” Head said. “It’s not free but its discounted.”

She did not say how much of a monetary incentive was granted.

The median wage in Montrose is $27,500, and “their starting salaries are well over that,” Head said. “They are some of the higher paying jobs in the community.”

Head said the company hopes to break ground in the next couple of weeks.

The distribution center will hold any number of the 400 Pepsi products.

About 10 years ago, because the company was running out of room in Montrose, it began expanding its operations in its Grand Junction center, Head said.

“We were determined to keep them here. We didn’t want them to leave,” Head said. “They’ve been here 18 years.”

The company regularly sponsors several community events, such as the Ballon Affaire, the Olathe Sweet Corn Festival, scholarships and more, she said.

Roche Constructors or Greeley will use area contractors to build the center, she said.

By: Marija Vader, Daily Sentinel