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Tortilla Industry on the Rise

(GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- According to data released by Fact.MR, a provider of market research and competitive intelligence, the global tortilla mix market is anticipated to reach US$ 23.5 billion by 2033, advancing at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2033.

Key Takeaways from Market Study

  • Sales of tortilla mixes in Germany are anticipated to progress at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2023 to 2033.

  • Demand for tortilla mixes around the world is projected to increase at a CAGR of 6.7% from 2023 to 2033.

  • The global tortilla mix market stands at a valuation of US$ 12.3 billion in 2023.

  • The market is estimated to reach US$ 23.5 billion by the end of 2033.

  • Demand for tortilla mixes in Canada is forecasted to advance at a CAGR of 5.4% from 2023 to 2033.

“Growing popularity of tortilla mixes is driven by increased awareness of their nutritional benefits and a rise in health-consciousness among the population,” according to a Fact.MR analyst.

JC Ford Relocates to Nashville Metro Area

The JC Ford Company, the maker of manufacture of automated equipment used on assembly lines across the globe, is establishing a production facility in Maury County.

The move for the California-based tortilla equipment company, a privately-owned family business, represents a $30 million investment that includes the renovation of two facilities at 2003 and 2007 Oakland Parkway in Columbia and creates 210 new jobs for the region in the next five years.

“We are looking forward to getting moving quickly,” Scott Ruhe, president of JC Ford said during an announcement celebration at the company's new site in Columbia on Thursday. 

He said the new facility puts the company in the center of its market across the nation.

Founded in 1945, JC Ford is a leading manufacturer in high-speed corn tortilla production equipment. Its machines can produce between 1,000 to 8,000 products in an hour.

The company supplies machines to General Mills, Frito-Lay and Tyson foods and draws a revenue of more than $50 million. Its machines are used to make the popular snack chip, Doritos. 

When fully operational, the new center will be used by JC Ford to supply the U.S. and global market with its products.

Ruhe said 40% of the parts manufactured by the company is sent outside the U.S. with a roadmap to move all of the company’s manufacturing operations to the new location.

“I think we are going to shift the headquarters here to Tennessee,” Ruhe said. “We are excited to start this next chapter in Columbia. We will leave a footprint in California. We have 30 years of history there. We have a tremendous workforce there, and we want to be supportive of the group that got us where we are.”

The company' products range from producing 250 pounds to 4,000 pounds of tortillas per hour on an entirely automated system. 

 

Columbia marks the ideal spot

The company offers customized options for layout, design, equipment and product development to maximize each customer's resources and maintain product quality.

“Nashville quickly became the center of it,” Ruhe said. “We came down and saw Columbia and thought it was a beautiful town and that it would be a great place and a great community.”

Ruhe said he is confident that Maury County will provide the workforce it needs with an initial hiring effort now underway.

"We need people to get this thing running," Ruhe said. 

Gov. Bill Lee, who attended the announcement ceremony on Thursday, said the move will not only create jobs but change lives.

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Scott Ruhe, the President of JC Ford Company speaks at an announcement, unveiling a $30 million investment to establish the company's tortilla-machine operations in Columbia, Tenn., on May 6, 2021. Mike Christen / The Daily Herald

Columbia Mayor Chaz Molder, left, and Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, right, speak during the unveiling of $30 million JC Ford manufacturing facility in Columbia, Tenn., on Thursday, May 6, 2021.

Mike Christen / The Daily Herald

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