U.S. Foodservice Announces Expansion in Lexington County
February 23, 2010
Investment expected to bring 100 new jobs to the area
COLUMBIA, SC – February 23, 2010 – The South Carolina Department of Commerce, Lexington County and the Central S.C. Alliance today announced that U.S. Foodservice will expand its facility in Lexington County. The investment is expected to generate 100 new jobs in the next five years.
We are pleased to move forward with the expansion of our Lexington County facility. Our South Carolina operations continue to be an important part of U.S. Foodservice, and Lexington County provides the right mix of a strong business environment and a skilled workforce. We appreciate all the support U.S. Foodservice has received from state and local officials, said Durwood Owens, division president of U.S. Foodservice-Lexington.
U.S. Foodservice-Lexington’s division currently operates in a 518,000-square-foot facility in Lexington. Construction on a 15,000-square-foot rail dock, allowing the pass-through of rail cars for direct loading to tractor-trailers, is now under way. The expansion, scheduled for completion July 1, marks the first of a multi-phase project planned for the site.
As we compete in the global economy, South Carolina’s ability to grow its existing businesses is increasingly important and today’s announcement is another sign that our efforts to improve the state’s business climate are working to promote job creation. We remain committed to continuing these efforts to enhance the state’s business soil conditions to encourage growth and create opportunity throughout South Carolina, said Gov. Mark Sanford.
U.S. Foodservice has long been a leader in the foodservice distribution industry and has been an important member of the business community in the Midlands for a number of years. The company’s decision to expand operations in Lexington County is a strong testament to the strength of the state’s workforce and business-friendly climate. Thanks to the continued efforts of local and state officials, Lexington County will benefit from this investment now and in the years ahead, said Joe Taylor, Secretary of Commerce.
We are pleased that U.S. Foodservice is expanding its presence in Lexington County. The company has been a strong business partner in our community and this expansion signals the mutually beneficial relationship that exists between the company and the county. As always, we are committed to working with our existing industry base to help them grow and expand and, in return, provide more opportunities for the residents of Lexington County, said Lexington County Council Chairman Jim Kinard.
Central SC Alliance Chairman Jim Apple stated, U.S. Foodservice’s announcement to expand its Lexington County distribution facility further demonstrates the viable economy that exists here in the Central South Carolina region. More and more companies have discovered the strategic distribution advantages that we offer including four interstate highways, close proximity to the Port of Charleston and the UPS Southeastern air hub, and an active foreign trade zone.
U.S. Foodservice
U.S. Foodservice is one of the country’s premier foodservice distributors, offering more than 43,000 national, private label and signature brand items and an array of services to its more than 250,000 customers. The company proudly employs more than 25,000 associates in more than 60 locations nationwide. U.S. Foodservice provides the finest quality food and related products to neighborhood restaurants, hospitals, schools, colleges and universities, hotels, government entities and other eating establishments. The company has provided its services to South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia for more than 100 years. More information can be found at www.usfoodservice.com.
About S.C. Department of Commerce
The S.C. Department of Commerce works closely with economic development professionals throughout the state to recruit new jobs and investments and help existing businesses grow. Commerce has been recognized for its success in the areas of job creation and economic impact by Area Development and Business Facilities magazines. The S.C. Department of Commerce was one of 10 state economic development organizations to receive Area Development’s Silver Shovel Award in 2009 and Commerce received the 2009 Deal of the Year award from Business Facilities magazine. Commerce received the top prize for Boeing’s selection of North Charleston for the company’s second final assembly plant for the 787 Dreamliner program. In addition to job and investment recruitment, the agency provides a range of business support services, offers grants for community development and infrastructure improvements, and provides tools to enhance workforce skills. For more information, visit www.SCcommerce.com.
