United Foods International has flipped the switch on a massive new food plant in Phoenix, cutting the ribbon last Thursday on a 126,000-square-foot manufacturing facility that instantly reshapes the region’s liquid food production scene. The state-of-the-art site is built to handle about 8 million gallons of liquid products a year and, combined with UFI’s existing Valley operation, pushes Arizona’s total liquid capacity past 13 million gallons. City and state officials say the project is expected to employ up to 100 people and plug directly into a growing cluster of food and advanced manufacturers in the area.
New Production Muscle and Local Jobs
In a press release from the Arizona Commerce Authority, UFI President Take Shimura said the Phoenix expansion “allows us to expand our production and distribution capabilities while continuing to deliver high quality products.” The release notes that the new building covers 126,000 square feet and can process 8 million gallons annually, which brings UFI’s Arizona output to more than 13 million gallons a year. Officials at the opening framed the project as a source of stable, long-term manufacturing jobs for Phoenix residents.
Prime Spot off Loop 202
The new plant sits in the Envision Dobbins 202 West Industrial Park near Loop 202 and Dobbins Road, a master-planned industrial hub that pitches immediate freeway access and large, truck-friendly buildings. IDM Companies highlights site amenities and building layouts in its listing for the park. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council, which joined UFI for the ribbon cutting, said the location underscores the surge of international investment flowing into the region.
Why This Plant Matters for Phoenix
United Foods International is a Japan-based producer of liquids and ingredients with U.S. manufacturing roots in Hayward and Belcamp, and the company notes it opened a Southwest factory in Phoenix in 2021. UFI says the latest facility will grow its capacity to deliver custom food-ingredient solutions for its clients. The expansion also lines up with other big-ticket food investments in the Valley, including Nestlé’s new Glendale plant, which local reporting says is helping anchor manufacturing supply chains in Arizona, according to ABC15.
The grand opening featured a ribbon cutting and tours of the gleaming production floor, and UFI leaders signaled that the plant has room to scale further as demand climbs. City officials said projects like this fit squarely into Phoenix’s strategy to recruit international manufacturers and build dependable payrolls for local workers. The Greater Phoenix Economic Council and local partners shared additional details during the event.
