U.S. Rep. Tony Cardenas wrote an open letter Wednesday to Sriracha-sauce maker Huy Fong Foods Inc. to consider relocating to the San Fernando Valley.

The Rosemead firm has experienced significant problems at the 23-acre compound the company built in Irwindale about two years ago. Complaints by residents about smells they say come from the plant has prompted the city to file a lawsuit. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge ordered in November that no peppers can be ground at the plant until the dispute is resolved.

The 655,000-square-foot factory at 4800 Azusa Canyon Road has since been deemed a “public nuisance.”

In his letter to William Tran, president of Huy Fong, Cardenas wrote: “If relocation is the only viable option, I ask that you consider moving your facility to the San Fernando Valley. The San Fernando Valley has plenty of manufacturing zones, especially in the 29th Congressional District.”

The 29th district covers most of the north central Valley, including the communities of Van Nuys, San Fernando, Pacoima, Arleta, Panorama City, Sylmar, and parts of North Hollywood – all areas known for industrial space.

Huy Fong and its Sriracha sauce have been on a wild growth spurt. It recorded more than $60 million in sales last year. And David Tran, owner of the company, told the Business Journal in January that relocation was a possibility if the city dispute couldn’t be remedied.

“We want to solve the problem in California first,” he said. “But if we’re unable to solve it, we’ll shut down and move.”

The company also has reportedly received overtures from Texas and Pennsylvania to relocate its plant.