"This morning we have a time to celebrate," said Tony Kaai, President of Denison Development Alliance.
The reason for this latest celebration in Denison was the announcement June 19, 2013 that Ruiz Foods will invest $30 million over the next three years in a 50,000-square-foot expansion of the company's Denison plant.
In 2005, Ruiz Foods made an initial investment of $50 million in Denison when the top frozen Mexican food manufacturer in the U.S. announced it would begin production in Grayson County by hiring 400 employees. Seven hundred employees now work at Ruiz Foods' Denison location and this new expansion could mean as many as 150 added jobs.
"If you were here seven years ago, you heard us say we wanted Denison to be our second home," remarked Rachel Cullen, President & CEO of Ruiz Foods. "We are ready to grow again."
Ms. Cullen thanked Denison Mayor Jared Johnson, Denison City Council, Grayson County Judge Drue Bynum, Grayson College President Dr. Jeremy McMillen and Denison Development Alliance for paving the way for this expansion. Construction will be completed in early 2014 and production will begin spring 2014.
Ruiz Foods was established in 1964 by Louis Ruiz and his son Fred; the company is already making plans to celebrate its 50th anniversary with an open house at the newly expanded Denison facility.
With an impressive new high school under construction, $5.4 million secured to renovate Munson Stadium and 11 new businesses relocating downtown, Denison is on the move.
"We live in a pro-business state, plus we have tireless county and city government to ensure growth," explained Mayor Johnson, "and not just to get you here, but to make sure Denison is your long-term home."
Educational opportunities are another important catalyst that has accelerated business opportunities and Johnson thanked Grayson College President Dr. Jeremy McMillen for providing courses that allow workers to improve skills in everything from welding to computer technology.
Denison city leaders have also worked to make the community an attractive place to live, shop and play.
"We are committed to making Denison a place you want to call home," stated Johnson. "This is the best mayor gig in Texas and there are a lot of reasons for that -- Team Denison."
Denison Development Alliance board member Andy Wilkins also welcomed this latest expansion of Ruiz Foods.
"I'm not the speaker the mayor is, but I have eaten more burritos," quipped Mr. Wilkins.
