La Tortilla Factory in Santa Rosa relocating to Kansas

(KRON) -- After 47 years in the North Bay, La Tortilla Factory will be relocating its Santa Rosa location to Kansas, its parent company confirmed to KRON 4 Wednesday. The move will be effective March 31.

According to Flagship Food Group, the business explored multiple options to maintain its business in the Bay Area. However, following "painstaking consideration," the company said it will be consolidating its manufacturing facilities to leverage its existing operations in Moundridge, Kansas, along with other California locations.

"Relocating will safeguard LTF's ability to make the best tortillas at fair prices while expanding its capacity to reach new customers and serve our existing customers," the company said in a statement. "We will continue to create jobs in California through strategic manufacturing operations and our broad distribution and sales offices located in both Northern and Southern California."

The company also cited lack of ownership of the Santa Rosa facility as a factor behind the move, along with "prohibitive land acquisition costs in the area."

"This dynamic is not in play at our facility in Moundridge where the company owns sufficient land," Flagship Food Group said.

There are 135 workers at the Santa Rosa plant. Positions that can work remotely will be retained. Workers who are let go as a result of the move have been offered a severance package based on their length of service, the company said. Flagship Food Group said it will offer job search assistance with other local companies.

"We are extremely grateful for all the people who have contributed to our manufacturing operations in Santa Rosa over the decades and made La Tortilla Factory the company it is today," the company said.