DINUBA, Calif. -- Ruiz Foods has announced an expansion through the acquisition of a manufacturing facility located in Florence, S.C. It has scheduled renovation of the facility to begin immediately, and the company plans to begin manufacturing a variety of its nationally distributed El Monterey and Tornados products in 2015.
El Monterey is the flagship frozen Mexican food brand for Ruiz Foods and a leading brand of frozen Mexican food in the United States. Products include burritos, tamales, breakfast burritos, and Mexican snacks.
Tornados, a top-selling snack on the convenience store roller grill, is a blend of ingredients rolled in a crispy, seasoned tortilla. Tornados snacks are available in a variety of flavors.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and state Senator Hugh Leatherman Sr. will speak at the formal announcement event, scheduled for June 17, at the new Ruiz Foods Florence manufacturing facility.
"Our expansion strategy included establishing a manufacturing facility on the East Coast," said Rachel P. Cullen, president and CEO of Ruiz Food Products Inc. "Our products are in high demand with significant growth on the East Coast."
Located 110 miles southeast of Charlotte, N.C., the former Heinz frozen food processing facility was built in 2008.
Once the company renovates and equips the facility, it will begin initial manufacturing operations will begin in 2015. Over the next several years as the facility swings into full production, Ruiz Foods will employ over 500 Team Members. Employment opportunities will include positions in plant management, building and manufacturing equipment maintenance, facilities management, cold storage, food preparation and assembly, quality assurance, mechanical and electrical maintenance and repair, stocking and inventory, shipping and receiving, accounting, clerical, administrative, and janitorial.
Ruiz Foods is currently expanding its corporate headquarters located in Dinuba, Calif., and its manufacturing facility located in Denison, Texas.
"We are extremely excited to have this opportunity to become a member of the Florence community and believe our tradition of commitment to our Team Members and the community will be a natural fit," said Kim Ruiz Beck, chairman of Ruiz Food Products Inc. and daughter of co-founder, Fred Ruiz. "Our corporate culture promotes an open door policy, regular communication meetings, on-site and off-site training, a birthday club, opportunities for internal advancement, competitive wages and benefits, community involvement--a family environment. Our core values include safety, integrity, respect, quality, innovation and teamwork."
The company is currently celebrating its 50th birthday.
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