HIG Capital’s Patriot Pickle expands operations with new Texas facility, triples production capacity
Patriot Pickle, a leading manufacturer of fresh pickles and fermented foods, has expanded its operations with the opening of a new state-of-the-art production facility in Garland, Texas. The expansion comes on the heels of the company’s acquisition by H.I.G. Capital, a global alternative investment firm, in January 2024.
The Wayne, New Jersey-based company, founded in 2004, has established itself as a significant player in the pickle manufacturing industry, serving thousands of distributors, restaurant chains, supermarkets, and delis across the United States. The new Texas facility represents a major milestone in the company’s growth strategy, with the potential to create approximately 75 jobs in the Garland community.
According to Bill McEntee, founder of Patriot Pickle, and Adam Ricci, the company’s chief executive officer, the new facility will more than triple the company’s production capacity. The expansion is designed to enhance Patriot’s geographic reach, enabling the delivery of fresh, “farm to package” pickles in five days or less throughout the United States.
The facility’s construction, completed over a nine-month period, aligns with Patriot’s commitment to modern manufacturing practices and environmental sustainability. The company’s product line includes a diverse range of offerings, from classic kosher dill pickles to sweet horseradish chips, as well as sauerkraut and pickled green tomatoes. Patriot also maintains private labeling capabilities for customers looking to expand their brand recognition.
Justin Reyna, managing director at H.I.G. Capital, expressed optimism about the expansion, noting that the company “has experienced significant growth since it was founded two decades ago and is now poised for major expansion with the opening of this new, state-of-the-art facility.”
The Texas expansion follows a period of strategic growth under previous owner Swander Pace Capital, which sold the company to H.I.G. Capital after completing two transformative acquisitions that strengthened the pickled and fermented foods platform. Under its current ownership, Patriot Pickle operates multiple brands, including Patriot Pickle, Crisp, Regal Crown, K&Z, and First Place Foods.
The company’s commitment to quality is reflected in its facilities’ certifications, including SQF Level 2 and HAACP certification. Patriot Pickle also operates under the supervision of the Orthodox Union, maintaining strict quality standards across its operations.
With the addition of the Garland facility, Patriot Pickle now maintains approximately 185,000 square feet of production space between its New Jersey and Texas locations. This expansion positions the company to better serve its growing customer base while maintaining its motto of “Always Fresh, Always Crisp” through enhanced distribution capabilities and increased production capacity.
The investment in the Garland facility represents a significant step in Patriot Pickle’s evolution from a regional manufacturer to a national leader in the pickle and fermented foods industry, with the infrastructure now in place to support continued growth in the coming years.
