Fuji Food Products, Inc., a fresh food manufacturing division of Meruelo Group and provider and distributor of pre-packaged sushi, announced a new manufacturing facility in South Elgin, Ill. and its expansion in the Midwestern United States. Set to be fully operational in December 2014, the 40,000 square foot plant located on Schneider Drive will produce and specialize in fresh, refrigerated, and ready-to-eat meals serving the Midwest with national distribution capabilities. 

"Growth and momentum at Fuji has been consistent and continues," said Joe Marchica, CEO of Fuji Food Products. "We've come a long way, beginning as a family business that produced only sushi to regional supermarkets in Southern California, to expanding our business expertise as a fresh food manufacturer serving major supermarket and club chains on a national level. This will be our third owned facility to provide national distribution of our fresh, healthy, organic single-serve and family-size ready-to-eat meals."

"For more than 20 years, Fuji has been providing USDA and FDA-approved foodservice and retail solutions for the changing palate, dietary demands and convenience needs of today's customers. This expansion of our footprint in the Midwest is a testament to Fuji's continued commitment to providing quality product and service," said Humberto Villagomez, COO of Fuji Food Products. "We look forward to serving the greater Midwest region," said Tom Bulowski, Vice President of Sales for Fuji Food Products. "We hope to continue our growth into the future together with the state of Illinois and the community of South Elgin."