The decision came after the firm saw a rise in demand for its products.
Tornados
It makes El Monterey, frozen Mexican food and the top-selling brand of frozen Mexican food in the US, which includes burritos, tamales, breakfast burritos, empanadas, quesadillas and taquitos and snack food Tornados.
“A growing demand for our products requires us to increase capacity as we continue to service our existing and continually-growing East Coast customer base,” said Rachel Cullen, president/CEO, Ruiz Food Products.
“This seven-year expansion plan will allow us to do just that.”
Ruiz Foods has facilities in California, South Carolina and Texas, employing nearly 3,600 people.
In Florence, South Carolina, it will add another production line to its factory with plans for two additional lines in the next seven years.
$1m grant
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development has approved job development credits related to this project and a $1m Closing Fund grant was awarded to Florence County to assist with the costs of building construction.
“As excited as we are for Ruiz Foods, Florence County, the state and all of the entities involved in this project, we are even more excited about Ruiz Foods’ future workforce and the impact the 705 job opportunities will have on them and their families,” added Hugh Leatherman, current president of the senate, South Carolina.
“This $79m investment shows real commitment to our community and we look forward to their continued success.”