Pepsi plant in Mexico closes over threats of gang violence

June 13 (UPI) -- A Pepsi bottling and distribution plant in Mexico has shut down because officials say rising threats of gang violence have made it too dangerous to operate.

The move to close Grupo Gepp's Ciudad Altamirano plant comes less than three months after Coca-Cola Femsa similarly closed its plant there, affecting about 100 workers.

Employees said they have been threatened by gang members in the area who demanded money -- threatening to hijack the plant's delivery trucks if they don't pay.

The U.S. State Department in January warned Americans against traveling to the region because of rising gang violence.

Ciudad Altamirano is a city in Guerrero, one of five Mexican states listed in the U.S. alert.

PepsiCo said the plant closed "to guarantee the security of its people and its supply chain," and that it respects the decision.

Grupo Gepp said the closure is temporary.