County Executive Robert P. Astorino, who has made economic development a cornerstone of his administration, announced today that Pepsi Beverages Company (PBC), the bottling division of PepsiCo Inc., will remain in its Somers headquarters.
This was made possible with the help of financial inducements from the county's Industrial Development Agency and the state.
"Westchester's relationship with Pepsi is a long and proud one and I am delighted that it will continue," said Astorino. "Just a few years ago, the company was being wooed by Connecticut, and there was every indication it was going to leave Westchester, taking with it about 900 jobs. Now the company will stay here and expand. I look forward to strengthening our partnership in the future."
Under terms of its new five-year lease, PBC will remain headquartered at 1 Pepsi Way through the end of 2015. The company will expand to the full 540,000-square-foot building, from 390,000 square feet. The agreement also includes an option to extend the lease for an additional five years. There are currently 860 employees.
PepsiCo, whose worldwide headquarters is also based in Purchase, is directly responsible for more than 10,000 jobs in New York State. The expanded space may take overflow from Pepsi headquarters and also transfer about 22 jobs from Connecticut. 
Said Eric J. Foss, CEO of Pepsi Beverages Company: "The Pepsi enterprise has had a long and successful history in New York. We've always been proud to play a positive role in the communities in and around Westchester County, and we're eager to continue doing so in the years ahead."
As part of the agreement to keep PBC in Somers, the county's IDA Thursday morning approved exemptions from sales and use tax on the purchase of furniture, fixtures and equipment.
This is in addition to a $4 million grant provided by Empire State Development to PepsiCo to invest in the Somers facility.
PepsiCo, in return, will also invest up to $9 million in the project and will retain the 860 full-time jobs and bring 22 new jobs to the Somers headquarters building.
"IDAs are powerful tools for economic development – especially during harsh economic times – and when applied in conjunction with other government incentives and private investment, reflect the best examples of impactful public/private partnerships," said Stephen Hunt, chairman of the county's IDA. "PepsiCo's worldwide reach begins in Westchester, so we're proud to help such a critical corporate entity retain its position as a global brand powerhouse."
Added ESD President and CEO designate Kenneth Adams: "Pepsi Beverages Company's decision to remain in Westchester is evidence that despite economic challenges, New York remains a top destination for businesses looking to thrive."
The Somers building has been part of the Pepsi enterprise since 1985.
Connecticut wooed PBC aggressively, according to news reports that first surfaced in 2008. The Westchester IDA and the ESD countered with efforts to keep PBC in Somers. This was made difficult by a sugar tax on beverages proposed by former Gov. David Paterson, as well as a stock takeover by PepsiCo of PBC. Last fall the company and its landlord encountered prolonged disputes on lease terms.
About Pepsi Beverages Company
Pepsi Beverages Company (PBC) is PepsiCo's beverage manufacturing, sales and distribution operating unit in the United States, Canada and Mexico. PBC handles approximately 75 percent of PepsiCo's North America beverage volume. Its diverse portfolio includes some of the world's most widely recognized beverage brands, including Pepsi, Mountain Dew, Sierra Mist, Aquafina, Gatorade, SoBe, Lipton, and Amp Energy. The operating unit is headquartered in Westchester County, New York and employs approximately 70,000 people.