La Primera secures state grant to expand production

La Primera Tortilla Factory has qualified for a $50,000 Local Economic Development Act (LEDA) job creation grant, which will support a planned expansion of its production capacity.

Based in New Mexico, US, La Primera makes products including corn and flour tortillas that are sold to consumers through grocery stores in Las Cruces and El Paso.

According to the New Mexico Economic Development Department, the tortilla business plans to invest $2.7 million in equipment and hire 14 employees over the next three years.

The state economic assistance will help the company to expand manufacturing at its existing facility in Doña Ana County, enabling it to supply institutional customers with its products.

“Homegrown family businesses are the cornerstone of New Mexico’s economy,” said Michelle Lujan Grisham, Governor of New Mexico.

“The LEDA assistance to La Primera for expansion of its tortilla line shows that the state stands ready to support businesses of all sizes as they grow and create jobs.”

La Primera is said to have seen high demand for its products during the Covid-19 pandemic and is now ready to expand its operations.

Juan Carlos Favela, secretary treasurer of the business, said: “We’ve always tried to keep it as fresh as can be, but we have never had enough space to do everything we want. Now with the state partnership we can expand in New Mexico, grow, hire new workers and have financial stability.”