The birthplace of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos has closed its doors after 55 years, leaving hundreds of workers in Rancho Cucamonga seeking new employment as another manufacturing icon exits California.
Key Takeaways
- The Frito-Lay plant in Rancho Cucamonga ceased manufacturing operations on June 9, 2025, after 55 years of production.
- The facility was historically significant as the birthplace of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which were first produced there in 1991.
- While manufacturing has ended, PepsiCo Foods U.S. confirmed the site will continue to host warehouse and transportation operations.
- Employees were informed they had produced the final batches of iconic snacks including Cheetos, Tostitos, Doritos, and Funyuns.
- The closure represents another manufacturing loss for California, which continues to see businesses relocate to more business-friendly states.
End of an Era for Iconic Snack Production
After more than five decades of operation, the Frito-Lay plant in Rancho Cucamonga has shut down its manufacturing operations, marking the end of an era for snack production in Southern California. The facility, which had been producing some of America’s favorite snacks since 1970, officially closed its production line on June 9, 2025. This closure is particularly significant as the plant was the birthplace of the wildly popular Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which were first created there in 1991 and went on to become one of the company’s most successful products globally.
The closure announcement came directly from PepsiCo Foods U.S., Frito-Lay’s parent company, on June 11. Workers at the facility were informed that they had produced their final batches of beloved snack foods including Cheetos, Tostitos, Doritos, and Funyuns. While the manufacturing operations have ceased, the company has stated that the site will continue to host warehouse and transportation operations, maintaining some presence in the community despite the significant reduction in operations and workforce.
Impact on Local Economy and Workers
The closure of the manufacturing operations at this plant represents a significant blow to the local economy of Rancho Cucamonga and the surrounding areas. For generations, the Frito-Lay plant has been a reliable employer in the region, providing stable manufacturing jobs with good benefits. The company has not publicly disclosed exactly how many employees have been affected by this closure, but manufacturing facilities of this size typically employ hundreds of workers, many of whom have dedicated decades of service to the company.
PepsiCo Foods U.S. has stated that they are committed to supporting the affected employees through this transition. According to reports, the company is providing ongoing pay and benefits to impacted workers as they navigate their next steps. This closure follows a troubling pattern in California, where manufacturers have been increasingly relocating to states with lower taxes, fewer regulations, and more business-friendly policies, taking valuable jobs with them. The loss of these manufacturing positions represents another example of California’s struggling business environment under leftist governance.
Community Response and Future Outlook
The Rancho Cucamonga community has expressed disappointment over the closure of this historic facility. For 55 years, the plant has been more than just a workplace—it has been an integral part of the community’s identity. Many families in the area have multiple generations who worked at the facility, making this closure particularly emotional for long-time residents. Local business owners are also concerned about the ripple effects this closure might have on other businesses that served plant employees or provided goods and services to the facility.
While expressing gratitude for the support from the Rancho Cucamonga manufacturing team and the local community over five decades, PepsiCo has not provided detailed information about what led to the decision to close this particular plant. Industry experts speculate that increasing operational costs in California, combined with aging infrastructure at the 55-year-old facility, likely contributed to the decision. This closure highlights the ongoing challenges faced by American manufacturing, particularly in high-cost states like California, where President Trump’s efforts to revitalize American manufacturing face steep hurdles from state-level policies.
