Students in the Holzschuh College of Business Administration had the opportunity to visit the PepsiCo warehouse in Cheektowaga on May 13, 2026. Through this visit, students were able to learn specifics about PepsiCo’s supply chain processes. They also learned about the workplace culture of the Buffalo warehouse and discover how people-oriented the industry can be. Dr. Fernando Naranjo, assistant professor of Management, organized the tour to allow supply chain management students to learn more about the concepts they studied throughout the semester.
“The visit to the Pepsi Inc. Buffalo Warehouse at the end of this semester allowed our Supply Chain students to better understand the concepts learned in the MGT 220: Operations and Supply Chain course,” said Dr. Naranjo. He added, “Executives from the company explained the use of forecasting, inventory management, capacity planning, and logistics management by providing multiple examples of the tools they use to address daily challenges. The walk around the site also illustrated the flow of different SKUs (beverages), cases and pallets, showing inbound and outbound operations, as well as the policies and procedures used for managing their inventory. Additionally, students learned the best practices the company uses to maintain a strong culture based on values, scorecards, and respect for people.”
The tour of the facility was led by Aaron Heltz, the site leader, and Niagara University alumna Jessica DeLuca. While the tour showcased the operations of the facility, many students were left impressed by the workplace culture and the people-first mindset at the facility.
Ben Doland said, “One of the key takeaways I had from this tour would have to be how important relationships can be in a business setting. Even before I came to college, I understood that relationships can go a long way in business. Going out and seeing firsthand from PepsiCo on how they value relationships and the importance of workers being on site made me really appreciate the Buffalo site and Pepsi as a whole.”
“Despite his busy schedule, Aaron’s passion for the industry was genuinely contagious,” said Hain Dinh, “he didn’t just walk us through the factory floor — he took the time to explain the nuances of every process, sharing technical knowledge and real-world insights that textbooks simply can’t replicate.”
Ebin Bush said, “Some things mentioned today I would not have even guessed, for example that they handle over 700 different types of products. That number was shocking to me, mainly because I did not grasp how many different brands Pepsi owns or has created. Of course, it was great to get behind-the-scenes access and to see them on a day-to-day basis using concepts we have learned in class.”
Niagara University’s Supply Chain Management Program prepares students for success on day one, into a well-paid and fast-growing profession. Courses cover warehousing, transportation, purchasing, lean operations, global supply chain, and “farm to table” food supply chains. Your student journey culminates with an emphasis on case studies and internships to gain real-world experience.
