SOUTH CAROLINA (February 23, 2010 - PRWeb.com)—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 Jim Kinard, Chairman of Lexington County Council.
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."
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