Since the closing of the PepsiCo/Frito Lay manufacturing plant in 2025 and the loss of almost 300 jobs, the Town of Liberty has been working urgently to find a replacement business to fill both the physical space at 89 Mill Street and the significant economic impact wrought upon the town by the former plant’s departure.

Now, the facility has a new owner in the guise of 5722 Route 55 LLC, a company which acts as the property owner and landlord for the facility. It has leased the commercial site to its sister entity, White Lake Foods, which intends to use the space to manufacture private-label retail chicken and food products for Hudson Valley Farms, a specialty poultry producer located in Ferndale, known for its production of foie gras and magret duck breast.

Town of Liberty Supervisor Frank DeMayo suggested that between 200 to 250 jobs could ultimately be created by the new business once the facility is fully operational in 12 to 18 months. Former PepsiCo/Frito-Lay Snacks workers who lost their jobs when the former plant closed will be prioritized as new employment opportunities are filled.

DeMayo described the development as “... good, good news.”

The company expects to begin with packaging operations, potentially starting within 90 days, but other activities, including poultry processing and food manufacturing are subject to local, state and federal approvals. Also, the Village of Liberty Planning Board will need to provide zoning and other local approvals before work can start.

De Mayo described how the impact of this development will have a beneficial ripple effect upon the town’s existing commercial areas.

“More people come to work, and they then patronize the businesses that are already here,” he said.