Franco Whole Foods to set up new food processing facility in New Mexico, US

US-based tortilla producer Franco Whole Foods plans to open a new food processing facility in Las Cruces, New Mexico, a move which will create around 160 new jobs.

The Las Cruces facility will produce different varieties of uncooked tortillas from flour, corn and wheat.

The raw tortillas from the facility will be supplied to stores across the nation.

To establish its new facility the company will convert a long-vacant warehouse at 875 W. Amador Ave.

The New Mexico Economic Development Department will provide $75,000 in Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) funds to reduce costs for upgrading the warehouse to meet the needs of manufacturing tortillas and food safety standards.

In addition, the company will qualify for the Job Training Incentive Program (JTIP), which assists companies by reimbursing 50% of wages while training New Mexico workers for new positions.

The City of Las Cruces will also complement training dollars through its Wage+ Program.

New Mexico Governor Susana Martinez said the state government continues to work to diversify and grow New Mexico’s private sector economy.

"Results like this show that diversifying our economy by competing for jobs and attracting new businesses pays off for our families and communities," Martinez added.

New Mexico Economic Development (EDD) Cabinet Secretary Jon Barela said: "What is great about Franco Whole Foods is that they are a producer and exporter of tortillas, which means they don’t compete with our local tortilla makers, and they bring dollars into New Mexico from out of state."

California-based Franco Whole Foods, which is known for producing tortillas that have a shelf life of 90 days, is a national supplier of uncooked tortillas for Whole Foods and Costco.