Global maker of instant ramen to establish $228M Greenville County plant

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Nissin Foods, a global company that produces instant ramen products, plans to expand its U.S. footprint by spending $228 million on new operations in Greenville County.

The company said in a news release from the Greenville Area Development Corp. and the state Commerce Department, that it will create more than 300 new jobs to meet growing demand for its product.

“Nissin Foods has seen sustained sales growth year-over-year, especially over the last five years, driven by unprecedented demand for our products,” Nissin Foods President and CEO Michael Price said in the news release. “As we developed the company’s expansion plans, we determined early on that Greenville, S.C., was the ideal location for our newest manufacturing facility.”

The company has announced plans to purchase a 640,640-square-foot building located at 1170 Bracken Road in Piedmont for its new Greenville County manufacturing facility. Nissin Foods also has existing manufacturing facilities in Lancaster, Pennsylvania and Gardena, California.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Nissin Foods was established in 1958 in Japan by Momofuku Ando, who invented the first instant ramen noodle, inspired by his belief that “peace will come to the world when there is enough food.” In 1972, Nissin Foods USA opened its first plant in Gardena, Calif., introducing ramen noodles to American consumers.

“Greenville is among the fastest growing manufacturing cities in the country, and many other top brands are produced there,” Price said in the release. “In addition to being a significant milestone in Nissin’s history, this investment will allow us to optimize production capabilities, grow the organization, bring jobs to the community and continue to fortify our innovation pipeline.”

Launched in 1971 in Japan, Cup Noodles debuted in the U.S. in 1973, creating a product that could package, prepare and serve noodles all in one. For 65 years, Nissin Foods has created delicious and convenient Asian-inspired meals at an affordable value, the release stated.

“Congratulations to Nissin Foods and Greenville County on bringing over 300 new jobs to South Carolina,” South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said in the release. “This collaboration provides additional opportunities for Nissin Foods to serve its worldwide customer base while contributing to the Greenville community.”

Sales increased 21% in the first quarter of fiscal 2023 for Nissin Foods, up from the same period in 2022 and the fourth consecutive quarter of high double-digit sales growth for the company, according to Food Business News.

The company’s brand portfolio includes Cup Noodles, Top Ramen, Top Ramen Bowl, Cup Noodles Stir Fry, Chow Mein, Hot & Spicy Bowl and Fire Wok. Products to be made at the new Greenville County facility were not identified by company officials.

“Greenville County welcomes Nissin Foods as it establishes its Southeastern manufacturing presence in Greenville County,” Greenville County Council Chairman and GADC board member Dan Tripp said in the release. “The company is a global leader in producing ramen products including Cup Noodles, Top Ramen and other delicious and convenient favorites enjoyed worldwide. We welcome Nissin Foods to our international community of companies and advanced manufacturing ecosystem.”

Nissin Foods USA recently announced that Cup Noodles will introduce a new paper cup design in early 2024, replacing the current polystyrene cup. A historic change for the brand since its 1973 U.S. introduction, the updated packaging for the on-the-go cup is now microwavable, making it more convenient for consumers.

Operations in Piedmont are expected to be online in August 2025, the news release stated. Individuals interested in joining the Nissin Foods team should visit the company’s careers page.

The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to this project. The council also awarded a $250,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the cost of building improvements.