Ruiz Foods Growing All Over

July 1, 2014
New plant in South Carolina, expansions in Texas, California.

Mexican food maker Ruiz Food Products Inc., celebrating its 50th anniversary, is on a growth spurt, announcing the acquisition of its first eastern manufacturing facility, a phase two expansion of its nine-year-old plant in Dennison, Texas, and a small addition to its corporate headquarters in Dinuba, Calif.

A former Heinz facility in Florence, S.C., built in 2008, was acquired. Renovation was scheduled to begin immediately after a June 17 event at the facility. Ruiz plans to begin manufacturing a variety of its nationally distributed El Monterey frozen food products and Tornados products in 2015.

The company first moved into Denison, Texas, in May 2005. This phase two expansion should add 150-175 jobs over the next several years.

“Our expansion strategy included establishing a manufacturing facility on the East Coast,” said Rachel Cullen, president/CEO. “Our products are in high demand with significant growth on the East Coast." The plant is 110 miles southeast of Charlotte.

She indicated there was help from State of South Carolina and the Florence County Economic Development Partnership. Over the next several years as the facility swings into full production, Ruiz Foods will employ over 500 there.

Ruiz Foods is celebrating its 50th birthday. Fred Ruiz and his father, Louis, co-founded the company in 1964 selling enchiladas, burritos and tamales to local "mom and pop" grocery stores in the small rural community of Tulare in central California. “The recipes were based on the family favorites made by my Grandma Rosie,” explained Kim Ruiz Beck, chairman and third generation Ruiz family member. “Today, we include all these family favorites as part of our flagship El Monterey® brand. My grandpa Louis and grandma Rosie would be very proud.”

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