PepsiCo will renovate its 420,000 square feet of office space in Purchase, upgrade its technology and reduce its energy usage, the company and Cuomo were set to announce. The work is set to begin early next year.
The county’s Industrial Development Agency on Friday agreed to provide a sales-tax exemption for the project. The state is providing $4 million in tax credits.
“By working to keep PepsiCo in New York, we are saving over 1,000 local jobs that are critical to the long term strength of the Westchester economy,” Cuomo said in a statement obtained by Gannett’s Albany Bureau.
PepsiCo has been wooed by Connecticut for years, but in March 2011 renewed its lease for its operations in Somers, and now will boost its Purchase offices.
The Purchase headquarters has had few improvements since the company moved there from New York City in 1970. The plan calls for expanding its capacity in Purchase by up to 15 percent and improve its technology infrastructure.
In the governor’s statement, the company said it plans to reduce its energy usage by 22 percent, water usage by 57 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by 22 percent.
“After more than 40 years with minimal renovations, our worldwide headquarters requires updating to meet the future needs of the company,” said Rich Delaney, senior vice president of operations, in a statement.
“This project will modernize our headquarters in ways that increase operating efficiency, create a more connected and collaborative work environment for employees, and enable PepsiCo to continue to attract great talent to the company.”
PepsiCo said it will seek LEED certification as a “green” building. That will include improved natural daylight at the facility, an improved work environment and increased ability to train workers.
Westchester County Executive Robert Astorino hailed the agreement.
“As a global company, PepsiCo can locate its headquarters anywhere in the world,” he said in a statement. “We have worked hard to keep PepsiCo in Westchester by creating a positive business environment.”
