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'Yeah, they made the list...' New local industry ranks on national list
By Dwayne Wilder
Jul 18, 2005

Ruiz Foods, Denison’s newest industry, has been ranked 18^th of the top 500 Hispanic owned businesses in the United States by “Hispanic Business” magazine.

The California based company announced in May that it would open its first facility outside its home state in Denison. The company purchased the former Pillsbury building on FM 84 and plans to employ more than 425 people. Ruiz Foods is the nation’s largest frozen Mexican food manufacturer and produces many of its products under its signature El Monterrey label.

“Ruiz Foods is truly a quality company,” said Tony Kaai, Denison Development Alliance president Tuesday. “It’s the type of company we want in our community.” Kaai added that he and his staff – who helped bring Ruiz Foods to Denison – aren’t surprised at the ranking.

“We have known all along their quality and commitment to their people and the community,” said Kaai. “We knew Ruiz would bring those strengths to our area.”

The June issue of “Hispanic Business” also ranked Ruiz Foods as third among the top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned manufacturing companies and second among the top 10 U.S. Hispanic-owned food-manufacturing companies. The magazine also named Ruiz Foods the number one Hispanic-owned company in California.

 “Our own growth this past year was very solid and double-digit and we attribute it to our dedication to product quality, innovation and diversification. We are proud of what our world-class workforce and our vision can accomplish and look to the future with anticipation,” said Fred Ruiz, chairman and co-founder Ruiz Foods. “In fact, as the June issue of Hispanic Business demonstrates, the entire Hispanic community can look to the future with anticipation.  The growth rate of many Hispanic businesses is tremendous. This list illustrates the addition of many new players and serves to verify just how solid our contributions are to the American economy.”

According to Kaai, Ruiz Foods officials have already shown their commitment to Denison and the new facility.

“They represent what corporate America used to be,” he said. “They are extremely connected to the community and are family oriented with employees and the public.”

The company has spent the summer renovating the newly acquired facility in Texoma.  “This second facility will serve to enhance all levels of customer service – a commitment that has been an integral part of the Ruiz success story since its founding in 1964,” said Bryce Ruiz, executive vice president-supply chain, a member of the third generation of the Ruiz Family. The initial phase of this facility is scheduled for completion by fall.

Established by Fred Ruiz and his father, Louis, Ruiz Foods is a privately held corporation with nearly 2,000 employees. Situated on more than 40 acres, Ruiz Foods manufactures 185 products in its 300,000-square-foot facility in Dinuba, Calif.  A satellite production facility is located in nearby Tulare.

Ruiz Foods is dedicated to premium quality, authentically prepared frozen Mexican foods selling through all distribution: retail, convenience store, clubs, vending, industrial and food service.  Ruiz Foods is the market leader in the frozen Mexican food category and manufactures the #1 brand of frozen Mexican food in the United States.