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Case Study: El Pinto

13 Feb, 2018

In January 2017, Governor Susana Martinez announced that El Pinto Foods will invest $7 million to expand its Albuquerque manufacturing facilities to more than 6,200 square feet, creating 25 new jobs to meet increasing demand.

El Pinto Food's salsa manufacturing division currently produces 25,000 salsa and chile jars per shift and has the capacity to make 3-4 million jars a year. El Pinto's factory, which is both Safe Quality Food (SQF) and Organic Certified, is expanding to meet growing demand for individual sized portion cups for private label customers.

"El Pinto began from humble roots in 1962 by my parents with 10 tables. Today our salsa manufacturing facility, located on the same property as the 1,000 seat restaurant, shares the taste of New Mexico to the entire country," said co-owner Jim Thomas.

About the Company

  • Begun in 1962 by Jack and Connie Thomas using the recipes of Connie's mother, Josephina Chavez-Griggs.
  • Twins, Jim and John, took over the business in 1994.
  • El Pinto is now the largest single restaurant in the state, with seating capacity over 1,000.
  • Manufacturing began in 2000.
  • Begun in a 35-gallon kettle in the kitchen, the manufacturing facility is now 8,000 square feet.
  • The company uses 120 tons of chiles each year, making 4,000 cases a day with the capacity to produce 3 to 4 million jars annually.
  • El Pinto salsas and sauces are available nationwide in stores including Walmart, Albertsons, Kroger, HEB, and Costco.

Economic Development Toolbox

  • A State LEDA investment of $250,000 will be used in the construction of the manufacturing facilities.

    More about El Pinto
"With the support of the Economic Development Department and the Governor, we continue to expand our manufacturing jobs, right here in New Mexico, as one of the largest employers in the North Valley of Albuquerque. Providing quality jobs and nutritious New Mexican food is what El Pinto stands for."
John Thomas, Co-Owner
New Mexico has no inventory tax, and does not tax consumables used in manufacturing, including electricity and natural gas.

 

Why New Mexico
New Mexico is located among the fastest growing states in the nation - goods reach Arizona, Colorado, Nevada and Texas within one day and California within two days.  Interstate 25 connects New Mexico to both international borders.  Interstates 40 and 10 connect New Mexico to the east and west coasts.