United Foods International, Inc. is excited to announce a cutting-edge production facility within the Envision Dobbins 202 West Industrial Park in Phoenix. This facility will allow UFI to double its liquid production in the state and expand its capabilities to meet growing demands. When the facility is fully operational, UFI plans to hire upwards of 100 employees.
“Great things are happening in our City, and we are excited to have United Foods International (UFI), Inc. choose Phoenix as the location of their new production facility,” said Mayor Kate Gallego. “Their investment boosts economic opportunities for our local economy and contributes to our City’s thriving food industry.”
“We are thrilled to bring our unique and authentic food products to the vibrant city of Phoenix,” said Take Shimura, President and COO of United Foods International. “Beyond the mainstream flavors, our goal is to provide consumers with a taste of Japanese and Asian cultures through our diverse range of offerings, while also supporting the local economy by creating jobs and partnerships with local suppliers.”
According to Phoenix Community and Economic Development Director, Chris Mackay, “This new facility is a testament to Phoenix’s strong business climate and skilled workforce. We are proud that UFI has chosen our city as its hub for expanding its operations.”
The 126,000-square-foot facility will house advanced spray dryers and initially process over 2.5 million gallons of liquid into powders annually. With future plans for additional drying chamber installations, the facility’s capabilities are set to double to 5.0 million gallons. Leveraging a unique liquid-to-powder atomization process and a team of industry experts, the new facility is poised to cater to clients seeking custom powder solutions as part of their food ingredients.
“UFI’s new facility underscores Phoenix’s position as a market of choice for both food- and manufacturing-related users,” said JLL Senior Managing Director Riley Gilbert, who represented UFI in the site selection and lease negotiations for its new Valley location. “They will also be an exciting addition to the Loop 202 – South Mountain Freeway corridor which, thanks to astute planning by the City of Phoenix, has become a major new hub for respected manufacturing entities like UFI.”
This new production facility will be the second for UFI in Phoenix. It’s first Phoenix facility began operation in 2021 and is growing exponentially, creating the need for UFI to significantly increase its liquid processing capabilities. The new UFI facility increases the company’s local footprint to 236,000 square feet and will allow UFI to double its liquid production in Phoenix to 8.0 milion gallons annually.
Construction on the new facility is underway, and operations are expected to begin in the summer of 2025.To showcase their new facility and meet with prospective clients, United Foods International (USA), Inc. will be attending the IFT First Expo.
United Foods International (USA), Inc. Established in the US in 1988, UFI currently has contract manufacturing facilities in Hayward, CA, Belcamp, MD, and Phoenix, AZ. Their private label products include sauces, dressings, condiments, and dry blends such as batter mixes and seasonings, catering to a wide range of industries including restaurants and retail outlets.