PepsiCo is closing 4 bottling plants and cutting nearly 400 jobs

PepsiCo said Wednesday it plans to close four U.S. bottling plants and lay off nearly 400 workers as part of its efforts to streamline its operations.

The business said the closures will impact 136 workers in Cincinnati; 131 in Chicago; 127 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and fewer than 50 in Atlanta.

The Chicago plant is the only one that will fully close. PepsiCo confirmed that closure earlier this week. The business said sales, delivery and warehouse functions will continue at the other three locations.

Earlier this month, PepsiCo lowered its sales projection for the year as consumers in the U.S., China and elsewhere pulled back on buying its drinks and snacks after years of worth hikes. PepsiCo’s North American beverage sales fell 3% in both the second and third quarters of this year.

PepsiCo’s earnings fell 5% to $2.9 billion in the July-September period. The business has repeatedly said it is sharply concentrated on efficiency and productivity gains.

PepsiCo, which is based in Purchase, recent York, said affected employees will be paid and receive benefits for 60 days even though most will not be required to work during that period.