US Foods is taking steps to nearly double the size of its distribution center in Manassas, Virginia, investing in a large-scale expansion that will bring more square-footage, new jobs, and more.
“As a leading food distributor in Virginia, we are excited to be adding to our local workforce,” said Jim Sturgell, Area President for Metro DC, US Foods. “Not only does this expansion allow us to create more jobs, it allows us to strengthen our presence and leadership in this market and continue to provide exceptional service to our growing Virginia customer base.”
The project includes a 220,000-square-foot addition to the current facility, as well as a full renovation. According to a press release, this growth will expand the company’s usable floor space to more than 466,000-square-feet.
US Foods considers the facility, located in Prince William County, to be a strategic location for the company, and was the only site in the Commonwealth of Virginia under review for the project. US Foods plans for the expansion to be completed by 2018.
“We’re thrilled that US Foods has chosen to expand in Prince William County. It is our pleasure to see our home-based companies increase their footprint with the benefits of a strong employee base, strategic location, and solid value proposition that Prince William County offers,” said Corey A. Stewart, Chairman, Prince William Board of County Supervisors.
In addition to further add to the foodservice giant's size, the project will also create around 100 new jobs over the next five years. The Board of County Supervisors approved an agreement between US Foods and the Industrial Development Authority of Prince William County, agreeing to assign a $350,000 grant towards the construction of a new facility, and purchase of equipment from the County’s Economic Development Opportunity Fund.
“It is particularly rewarding to be able to simultaneously support our existing businesses, help generate new job opportunities for our residents and solidify Prince William County’s economic impact within Northern Virginia,” said Supervisor Jeanine A. Lawson, Brentsville Magisterial District, Board of County Supervisors.
The company noted that the location allows for easy access to a large number of U.S. markets on the East Coast. This includes five of the ten largest MSAs, including:
“Virginia's distribution base remains strong and continues to grow, thanks to leading companies like US Foods that choose to reinvest in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Terry McAuliffe. "This important project was very competitive, and we are proud that major companies continue to recognize the advantage of Virginia's strategic Mid-Atlantic location and extensive transportation infrastructure. As we celebrate another step forward in our ongoing efforts to build the new Virginia economy by promoting the growth of existing businesses, we thank US Foods for its continued partnership and growth in Prince William County.”
As US Foods continues to grow its trajectory, which regions may be the next target for strategic growth? Deli Market News will report.
