Dammam, Saudi Arabia – His Excellency Bandar AlKhorayef, Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources, has inaugurated PepsiCo’s expanded manufacturing plant in Dammam’s 2nd Industrial City, signaling the company’s ongoing investment in Saudi Arabia’s industrial sector.
The SAR 300 million ($80 million) expansion is part of PepsiCo’s broader SAR 9 billion ($2.4 billion) investment in the Kingdom over the past eight years. The site now functions as a key production and export hub for the Middle East, supplying markets including the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, Oman, Lebanon, and Yemen.
“I’m pleased to see PepsiCo’s expansion supporting the growth of Saudi Arabia’s food manufacturing sector – a key priority under the National Industrial Strategy,” said H.E. AlKhorayef. “We remain committed to enabling the continued growth of PepsiCo’s operations.”
The facility spans 55,000 square meters and incorporates smart manufacturing technologies, including slicing automation, solar panels generating 510 MWh annually, and water-saving systems. Built to LEED standards, it is one of PepsiCo’s most advanced global sites.
Ahmed ElSheikh, President and GM of PepsiCo MENA and Pakistan Foods, added, “Saudi Arabia is at the heart of our regional growth strategy and is a major driver of our global performance.”
The company operates across 86 locations in the Kingdom with nearly 9,000 employees. In 2021, PepsiCo introduced its ‘Proudly Saudi’ platform, supporting local talent, agriculture, and community initiatives in alignment with Vision 2030.
The Dammam site produces global and regional brands, including Lay’s, Doritos, Cheetos, Quaker, and Tasali, using 100% locally sourced potatoes. Saudis represent 84% of the workforce, with women holding nearly 22% of roles.