On Wednesday, Pulmuone, a South Korean food company, revealed its expansion of the fresh noodle production facility in Gilroy, California, USA.
With the plant expansion, the company has increased its annual production of Asian noodles to 24 million units (190 grams per pack). This strategic move is a direct response to the growing local demand for these popular products. Notably, alongside tofu, Asian noodles stand out as the cornerstone of Pulmuone’s business in the US.
The Asian noodle constitutes a fundamental product, contributing to approximately one-third of Pulmuone’s overall sales in the US. Upon the company’s entry into the US market in 2015, the landscape was predominantly occupied by low-end dried noodles. Pulmuone introduced high-quality refrigerated noodles, known for their convenience in preparation. Over the years, the company has experienced remarkable growth, with its annual sales of Asian noodles in the US surging 6.3 times from 2017 to the previous year.
Previously, Pulmuone relied on exporting semi-finished products, including fresh noodles, with Pulmuone Foods USA responsible for their assembly and sale. The recent establishment of the Gilroy facility has transformed this dynamic, enabling local production. This shift is anticipated to streamline operations, reduce logistics expenses, and contribute to increased profitability.
The Gilroy facility exemplifies modern efficiency, featuring complete automation from the mixing stage to packaging. Additionally, it incorporates state-of-the-art temperature control systems that adhere strictly to the rigorous guidelines set by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Having kicked off its expanded operations with Teriyaki stir-fried udon last month, Pulmuone Foods USA intends to extend its production to encompass five varieties of fresh noodles, including Tonkotsu Ramen.
Pulmuone’s range of Asian noodle products is available in over 300 Costco stores across the United States.
In November 2021, Pulmuone expanded its tofu production line at the Fullerton plant in Western America to 9,300 square feet. This expansion doubled its maximum monthly production capacity and resulted in a 38% increase in tofu production.
