Area Development
El Pinto Foods will invest $7 million to expand its manufacturing facilities to more than 6,200 square feet, creating 25 new jobs to meet increasing demand in the North Valley of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

El Pinto Food's salsa manufacturing division currently produces 25,000 salsa and chile jars per shift and has the capacity to make 3-4 million jars a year. El Pinto's factory, which is both Safe Quality Food (SQF) and Organic Certified, is expanding to meet growing demand for individual sized portion cups for private label customers.

The Economic Development Department will contribute $250,000 in LEDA funds as an incentive toward the construction of the manufacturing facilities.

"El Pinto began from humble roots in 1962 by my parents with 10 tables. Today our salsa manufacturing facility, located on the same property as the 1,000 seat restaurant, shares the taste of New Mexico to the entire country," said co-owner Jim Thomas.

Twin brother and co-owner John Thomas continued, "With the support of the Economic Development Department and the Governor, we continue to expand our manufacturing jobs, right here in New Mexico, as one of the largest employers in the North Valley of Albuquerque. Providing quality jobs and nutritious New Mexican food is what El Pinto stands for."

"It's exciting to see local manufacturers grow and create new jobs," Governor Susana Martinez said. "Thanks to making New Mexico more competitive with surrounding states, we're not only attracting companies like Facebook to our state, we're also helping more homegrown businesses expand and create jobs in our communities. This is just another reason why we have to continue fighting for tools and reforms that make our state more business friendly."

"It's extremely exciting to see investment like this in our local New Mexico businesses," said Economic Development Secretary Matt Geisel. "The Governor's bold agenda of reform helps companies grow and thrive, while at the same time recruiting new businesses, jobs and investment to New Mexico."

This expansion comes on the heels of Governor Martinez announcing nearly 400 new jobs coming to New Mexico this month alone. These include industries like aviation, manufacturing, and agriculture, in communities throughout the state, like Roswell, Belen and the Mesilla Valley.