Ruiz Foods coming to Florence County

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FLORENCE - Gov. Nikki Haley announced Tuesday that Ruiz Foods will create more than 500 jobs as it begins operations in a new manufacturing facility there during the next few years. The company, which is based in Dinuba, Calif., and produces frozen Mexican food and snack products, is investing $55 million in the venture, which will be its first facility on the East Coast.

Renovation of the facility's existing building - the former Heinz facility located in the Pee Dee Touchstone Energy Commerce City Park - will begin immediately, and the company plans to begin manufacturing a variety of its national distributed El Monterey® and Tornados® products in 2015.

Haley plans to join company and local officials for a formal announcement June 17 at the facility. With Florence's proximity to Clarendon County, the company will likely employ Clarendon residents much like Sumter's Continental Tire does now.

"Ruiz Foods choosing Florence County for their first facility on the East Coast is a big deal for this local community and for the state as a whole," Haley said. "We share their commitment to quality and customer service, and celebrate their decision to invest $55 million and create more than 500 new jobs."

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. Employment opportunities through the company will be listed online later this year.

Ruiz Foods also operates manufacturing facilities in California and Texas and currently employs about 2,400 team members in the U.S.

State Agricultural Commissioner Hugh Weathers said the announcement is especially good news to local farmers.

"I could not be more thrilled with Ruiz's announcement, which is another testament to the continued strength of South Carolina agriculture," Weathers said. "This announcement represents untold opportunities for South Carolina farmers, who are the very backbone of our state's thriving economy. I thank Ruiz for their investment in our state, and look forward to the opportunity of showcasing Certified South Carolina products in grocery stores and living rooms across America!"