Weeks after Pepsi Bahamas Bottling Company announced that it would close its manufacturing plant in Eastern New Providence, leaving 75 people jobless, the company inked a distribution deal with Thompson Trading Company on Wednesday Like many companies in the country, Pepsi said it would have to lay off employees and ultimately close its doors due to high operating costs. The company will officially close its doors on December 5 and the agreement will come into effect on December 8. However, according to General Manager of Pepsi Carlos Palacios, the decision to partner with Thompson Trading will be an advantage for the company. "In regards to the impact of the business, I think it is going to be for the better. We haven?t delivered the expectations of the shareholders in terms of profitability in past years and this will allow us to change the business model in The Bahamas and then deliver better results for the company," he said. "I think we have agreed that execution is number one priority and this will ensure that the distribution of all our brands will improve, the consumers will continue to have all of our favourite brands and packages and the customers will continue to receive the best service that they expect from us." Mr. Palacios said even though the company is shutting down its manufacturing plant on Prince Charles Drive, at least 15 to 20 of its employees would stay on with Pepsi as sales representatives. "The majority of the sales force of Pepsi will be joining the Thompson Trading team and that will also ensure better continuity for our business," he said. "A lot of the persons in sales, drivers and technicians would be moving forward and having their jobs secured for the long term." The beverage company will produce all of its local products in Deerfield Beach, Florida at a PepsiAmericas plant. "It would be less expensive," Mr. Palacios said. "But the big advantage in the new business model is incorporating our brands in the operation, the mass generated by the volume will be a lot better to absorb all the overhead expenses of the business." "It is difficult to say a pricing advantage but I am sure that it will give us a competitive advantage," he added. Marketing Business Manager of Thompson Trading Melissa Kemp assured that the company is well equipped to take Pepsi under its wing. "The reputation of Thompson Trading is that they are a very good company and that they look out for their people and the structure that we have here is very well organized," she said. "When it comes to forecasting the future, we really think about that seriously and with Pepsi coming on board it is a great opportunity. Thompson Trading is a huge wholesaler in a big market and if there is going to be anyone to support Pepsi, I think Thompson Trading should be the one to come on board." "In fact, Pepsi has enjoyed more than 100 years of unbelievable success and has operations in countries around the globe. So we cannot wait to help them build on that success," Ms. Kemp added. By Kendea Jones