Area Development
Ruiz Food Products, Inc., a producer of frozen food and snack products, is expanding its existing operations center in Florence, South Carolina. The $79 million investment is expected to create 705 new jobs over the next several years.

El Monterey is the flagship frozen Mexican food brand for Ruiz Foods and the top-selling brand of frozen Mexican food in the United States. Ruiz Foods produces these items at facilities in California, South Carolina and Texas, employing nearly 3,600 team members nationwide.

Located at 2557 Florence Harllee Boulevard in Florence, the company will be adding another production line to its South Carolina manufacturing facility immediately; and, there are plans to add additional lines in the next seven years.

“We are honored how the Florence community and the State of South Carolina have embraced our joining their business community. The growing demand for our products requires we increase capacity as we continue to service our existing and continually-growing East Coast customer base. This seven-year expansion plan will allow us to do just that,” Ruiz Food Products, Inc. President & CEO Rachel P. Cullen said.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. A $1 million Closing Fund grant was awarded to Florence County to assist with the costs of building construction.

“Ruiz Food Products has been a tremendous partner of South Carolina’s, and the company’s decision to expand and create more than 700 new jobs is another example of the state’s competitive business environment which continues to bring new industry and jobs for our people. I congratulate Ruiz Foods on their latest expansion, and wish them continued success,” Governor Henry McMaster said.

“It’s wonderful to see such a well-respected company, like Ruiz Foods, not just locate in South Carolina, but grow and thrive here as well. This expansion is a tremendous win for Florence County, and it shows the world that South Carolina continues to be ‘Just right’ for businesses of all types,” Secretary of Commerce Bobby Hitt said.

“I am pleased Ruiz Foods is again investing and creating jobs in South Carolina. As the agribusiness industry grows, it continues to be a great shining light for South Carolinians. And with this Ruiz expansion comes another opportunity to have our farmers supplying customers around the world with South Carolina-grown products,” said South Carolina Agriculture Commissioner Hugh Weathers.