Ruiz Foods Announces Expansion: Manufacturing Facility Acquired In Florence, South Carolina
DINUBA, CA (Monday, June 2, 2014): Ruiz Foods announces an expansion through the acquisition of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility located in Florence, South Carolina. Renovation of the facility is scheduled 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 the #1 selling 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 an innovative blend of bold ingredients, all rolled in a crispy, seasoned tortilla. Tornados® snacks are available in a wide variety of flavors to satisfy any craving during breakfast, lunch, dinner or anytime.
South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley and Senate District #31 and Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, Senator Hugh Leatherman, Sr. will speak at the formal Announcement Event, scheduled for Tuesday, 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, Ruiz Food Products, Inc. “Our products are in high demand with significant growth on the East Coast; and for us at Ruiz Foods, it’s all about customer service.”
Located 110 miles southeast of Charlotte, North Carolina, the former Heinz frozen food processing facility was built in 2008.
“After conducting an initial search, we quickly narrowed our choice to this facility in Florence, South Carolina,” adds Cullen. “My compliments to the State of South Carolina, the people of Florence County and the Florence County Economic Development Partnership – their enthusiasm, cooperation, and flexibility made it possible to make our decision quickly.”
Once the facility is renovated and equipped, 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.
“This announcement marks an important milestone in the history of Florence and we are extremely honored to be selected as the location for Ruiz Foods’ major expansion,” said Buddy Brand, Chairman, Florence County Economic Development Partnership Board and Mayor Pro Tempore, City of Florence. “The arrival of Ruiz Foods as an integral business in our industrial base is most welcome to our community. We extend a warm welcome to the Ruiz family and their excellent management team. We have no doubt that this premier organization will see success in Florence and continue their rapid growth history.”
Ruiz Foods is currently expanding its corporate headquarters located in in Dinuba – the heart of California’s Central San Joaquin Valley – 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,” adds Kim Ruiz Beck, Chairman, 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.”
ABOUT RUIZ FOOD PRODUCTS, INC.
Co-founded by father and son, Louis and Fred Ruiz in 1964, Ruiz Foods is a privately held corporation. “Hispanic Business Magazine” consistently ranks Ruiz Foods among the top 20 Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States; and among the top ten U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing firms in the United States.
Third generation Kim Ruiz Beck, the eldest daughter of co-founder and Chairman Emeritus Fred Ruiz, is Chairman. Rachel P. Cullen is President & CEO. The Company is currently celebrating its 50th Birthday.
In 1983, Ruiz Foods received the prestigious United States Small Business Persons of the Year Award. Ronald Reagan presented the Award, to Fred and Louis Ruiz in the Rose Garden of the White House. In the fall of 2003, Ruiz Foods was inducted into the U.S. Small Business Administration Golden Anniversary Hall of Fame along with only 22 other businesses.
Ruiz Foods hosted a visit by President George W. Bush on October 15, 2003. Approximately 1800 people – Ruiz Team Members, invited guests and members of the community – were in the audience as he addressed the American people and presented the administration’s Minority Home Ownership Initiative.
Ruiz Foods has been featured on the nationally aired Food Network’s weekly show “Unwrapped” as well as on the regionally aired affiliate show “California Country” and the Canadian affiliate show “Food Factory”. The company has also been named “Processor of the Year for 2004” by the industry’s prominent ‘Refrigerated & Frozen Foods Magazine.’ Most recently, the company has been featured on the front cover of “National Provisioner Magazine” and “Meatingplace Magazine.”
ABOUT FLORENCE, SOUTH CAROLINA
Florence, founded as a railroad hub, quickly became the junction of three major railroad systems, retains its status today as a major hub, both for industry and infrastructure, while establishing itself as a regional center for business, medicine, culture and finance. With a population of 37,498, the City of Florence is the center of what is commonly called the “Pee Dee Region” – named after Florence Henning Harllee, the daughter of William W. Harllee, the first president of the Wilmington and Manchester Railroad. In 1965, Florence was name an All-American City by the National Civic League; and, more recently, named among America’s top 50 cities for business relocation and expansion by “Expansion Management Magazine”.
