DINUBA, CALIF. – Ruiz Food Products, Inc. has acquired a manufacturing plant in Florence, N.C. Following renovation of the facility, the company expects it to be manufacturing products in 2015.

“Our expansion strategy included establishing a manufacturing facility on the East coast,” said Rachel P. Cullen, president and chief executive officer. “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.”

When it is fully operational, the plant will employ 500 and manufacture the company’s lines of frozen food products, including the El Monterey Mexican food brand and Tornados, a snack product sold in convenience stories.