Ruiz Food Products Inc., Dinuba, Calif., acquired a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Florence, S.C. Renovation of the facility, a former Heinz frozen food processing plant, 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.

“Our expansion strategy included establishing a manufacturing facility on the East Coast,” says Rachel P. Cullen, president and CEO. “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.”

As the facility swings into full production over the next several years, the company expects to employ more than 500 workers at the Florence location.

Ruiz Foods is also currently expanding its corporate headquarters in Dinuba and its manufacturing facility in Denison, Texas.

Ruiz Food Products was co-founded in 1964 by Louis Ruiz and his son, Fred. The privately held corporation is among the top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing companies in the U.S. and has received numerous recognitions. Kim Ruiz Beck, the eldest daughter of co-founder and chairman emeritus Fred Ruiz, is chairman.