KERN COUNTY, CA - If Irwindale can't stand the heat, come to Kern County. That is the message the Kern Economic Development Corporation is giving the maker of Sriracha hot sauce.
The Irwindale plant has been the focus of numerous health complaints from people who live nearby.
As their city council considers forcing the plant to move, its owner is already weighing his options.
Its packaging is undeniable, but Sriracha's taste is what's made it popular.
"Yeah, that sauce is pretty good," said Luis Fernandez, a fan of the sauce.
Last year, Huy Fong Foods, sold $60 million worth of the spicy sauce.
So, when word got around that the Irwindale plant might consider moving, Richard Chapman, President and CEO of the Kern Economic Development Corporation, was hot on its trail.
"Rather than move to a new state, Texas, our belief is that you can come here and save a lot of money, keep a lot of your workforce, and see a pretty business friendly environment," said Chapman.
Around 600 acres of the red jalapenos used to make Sriracha are grown in Kern County. Chapman says the move would reduce some truck traffic and emissions.
But, it's what is emitted from the Irwindale plant that might force it to relocate.
Some living nearby have complained pepper fumes have irritated their lungs and eyes and caused nosebleeds.
"Every morning it smells like chili powder and that it gets irritating," said nearby resident Edward Anthony, in October.
"The Air Quality District investigated it and there were no violations found. Some of these complaints have come when chili pepper grinding is not occurring," said Chapman.
While Chapman admits he is unsure how far the smell can carry, he says Kern County has plenty of designated industrial districts like near Tejon Ranch and Shafter.
"They are not going to plop down in the middle of Seven Oaks or wherever you live in the northwest. This is not where one of these goes," said Chapman.
And, Chapman says the plant comes with 70 full-time jobs, 200 seasonal. That sounds good to Charlie Chiang who supports the plant relocating to Kern County.
"Anything that creates jobs in Kern County would be just fabulous. That's what we need around here. I know that we already have things that smell like the dairies, but as long as we keep people employed and Kern County going, I think that's really important and it's their loss," said Chiang.
Chapman says a congressman from Dallas County, Texas is set to tour the pepper plant next week. And, other California counties have expressed interest.
The Irwindale City Council isn't expected to make a decision until May 14th.