Pulmuone expands US fresh noodles plant

South Korea's food company Pulmuone announced on Wednesday it expanded its production line of fresh noodles plant in Gilroy, California, the US. 

With the plant expansion, the company has increased its annual production of Asian noodles to 24 million units (190 grams per pack). This is in response to soaring local demand. Along with tofu, Asian noodles are the most important product of Pulmuone's business in the US.   

Asian noodle is a core product, accounting for about one-third of Pulmuone's total sales in the US. When the company entered the US in 2015, the local Asian noodle market was dominated by low-end dried noodles. Pulmuwon unveiled premium refrigerated noodles that are easy to cook. The company's annual sales of Asian noodles in the US grew 6.3 times from 2017 to last year.

Previously, Pulmuone exported semi-finished products, including fresh noodles, and Pulmuone Foods USA assembled and sold them. The new Gilroy facility's capabilities now support local production, expected to streamline operations by reducing logistics expenses and enhancing profitability.

The Gilroy factory is a model of modern efficiency, boasting full automation from the mixing stage to packaging. It also integrates advanced temperature control systems that adhere to the stringent guidelines of the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Initiating its expanded operations with Teriyaki stir-fried udon last month, Pulmuone Foods USA plans to broaden its production to include five types of fresh noodles including Tonkotsu Ramen.

Pulmuone's Asian noodle products are sold in more than 300 Costco stores in the US. 

Previously, in November 2021, Pulmuwon expanded its tofu production line at its Fullerton plant in Western America to 9,300 square feet, doubling its maximum monthly production capacity and increasing its tofu production by 38%.

Write to Kyeong-je Han at hankyung@hankyung.com