Does Mission Foods Hire Felons?
Last updated:
Mission Foods hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Machine operator and production roles turn over fast and are the most accessible; the process usually includes a background check and drug screen.
Mission Foods does hire some people with felony records, decided case by case. A subsidiary of Mexico-based Gruma, Mission Foods is the number-one tortilla producer in the United States, operating roughly 22 manufacturing facilities — including the world's largest tortilla plant in Los Angeles — and employing thousands of workers, with corporate headquarters in Irving, Texas. The application process typically includes a background check and drug screening; multiple applicants report a hair-follicle drug test, which detects use over a longer window than urine testing. Machine operator, production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles turn over quickly and are the most accessible for people reentering the workforce; several employee self-reports describe the hiring process for operators taking as little as a day. Mission weighs the type and recency of a conviction against the job. Applicants with records generally have the best odds applying to plant-floor manufacturing openings rather than office or driver positions.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Machine Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check + drug screen | Running tortilla and chip production lines. Often the fastest-hiring role, sometimes within a day. |
| Production / Packaging Associate | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check + drug screen | Plant-floor manufacturing and packaging. High turnover means frequent openings. |
| Sanitation Worker | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Cleaning and sanitizing equipment, often overnight or weekends. Commonly available. |
| Warehouse / Forklift Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Loading, staging, and order picking. Forklift certification is a plus. |
| Delivery Driver | Rarely | Yes — criminal check + motor vehicle record | Requires a clean driving record and often a CDL; recent or driving-related convictions are obstacles. |
Mission Foods Hiring Practices
Mission Foods, part of the Gruma group, is the largest tortilla manufacturer in the United States, running around 22 plants nationwide, including the world's largest tortilla facility in Los Angeles. The company's hiring process generally includes a background check and a drug screen, and multiple applicants report that Mission uses hair-follicle testing, which looks back over a longer period than a standard urine test. Mission does not publish a blanket ban on hiring people with records; hiring managers weigh the nature and recency of an offense against the demands of the job. Because plant-floor manufacturing is physically demanding and high-turnover, machine operator, production, packaging, and sanitation roles are the most accessible for people with records. Employee reports describe operator hiring moving quickly, sometimes within a day, once screening clears.
Tips for Getting Hired at Mission Foods
Apply online through the Mission Foods careers site or directly at a plant, and target machine operator, production, packaging, and sanitation roles. Because Mission commonly uses hair-follicle drug testing, make sure you can pass — this window is longer than urine testing, so plan accordingly. Be honest about your record and focus on reliability, stamina, and availability for overnight and weekend shifts, which are often the easiest to fill. Highlight any manufacturing, machine-operation, or forklift experience. Avoid driver roles first if you have a driving-related conviction, since those check motor vehicle records. If one facility passes on you, another plant nearby may have different staffing needs.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at missionfoods.com/careers or directly at a plant; target machine operator, production, and sanitation roles.
- 2.Be ready for a hair-follicle drug test — the detection window is longer than urine testing, so plan ahead.
- 3.Emphasize reliability, stamina, and availability for overnight and weekend shifts.
- 4.Highlight any manufacturing, machine-operation, or forklift experience.
- 5.Skip driver roles first if you have a driving-related conviction — they check motor vehicle records.
- 6.Apply to more than one facility; staffing needs and hiring managers vary by plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Mission Foods hire felons?
- Mission Foods hires some people with felony records on a case-by-case basis. Machine operator, production, and sanitation roles are the most accessible, though the process includes a background check and drug screen.
- Does Mission Foods do background checks?
- Yes. Mission Foods' application process typically includes a background check and a drug screening, and it reviews criminal history individually.
- Does Mission Foods drug test?
- Yes. Multiple applicants report that Mission Foods uses a hair-follicle drug test, which detects use over a longer window than standard urine testing.
- What jobs at Mission Foods are best for people with records?
- Machine operator, production, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse roles turn over quickly and are the most accessible entry points, especially on overnight and weekend shifts.
- How big is Mission Foods?
- Mission Foods, a Gruma subsidiary, is the number-one tortilla producer in the U.S., operating roughly 22 plants — including the world's largest tortilla facility in Los Angeles — with headquarters in Irving, Texas.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Mission Foods Careers
Search and apply for plant, warehouse, and corporate positions.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
Related Resources on This Site
Similar companies
Helpful guides
- TransportationCar Insurance After DUI
- Background ChecksFree background check resources
- Criminal LawIs it a felony? Common crimes classified
- RightsCan a felon get a CDL?