Ruiz Foods Acquires Manufacturing Facility

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. Products include burritos, tamales, breakfast burritos, and Mexican snacks. Tornados are a blend of bold ingredients, all rolled in a crispy, seasoned tortilla and available in a wide variety of flavors. 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.  “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.”