U.S. Foods to expand in Prince William County; expansion to create 100 new jobs over next 5 years

Governor Terry McAuliffe announced Aug. 1 that US Foods, one of the nation’s largest foodservice distributors, will make significant investments by expanding and renovating 220,000 square feet of its Prince William County distribution facility, located in Manassas off Wellington Road near Gainesville.

Renovation is expected to start “within the next 30 days” and the project should be completed by the end of 2018, according to Sara L. Matheu, Director of Media Relations for US Foods.

“Virginia was selected after a rigorous review of over five undisclosed states, and will create approximately 100 new jobs, according to a news release from the Governor’s Office in Richmond.

Matheu said the approximately 100 new jobs would be added over the next five years. “Jobs we will hire for over the next 3-5 years are: CDL Class A and B delivery drivers,  Warehouse Forklift Operators, Warehouse Product Selectors and Warehouse and Transportation Supervisors.” There are currently 500 employees at US Foods’ Manassas site, Matheu said.

The governor was quoted as saying in the news release, “Virginia’s distribution base remains strong and continues to grow, thanks to leading companies like US Foods that choose to reinvest in the Commonwealth. 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.”

According to a statement in the news release, “US Foods is one of America’s great food companies and a leading foodservice distributor, partnering with approximately 250,000 chefs, restaurants, and foodservice operators to help their businesses succeed. With nearly 25,000 employees and more than 60 locations, US Foods provides its customers with broad and innovative food offerings and a comprehensive suite of e-commerce, technology, and business solutions. US Foods is headquartered in Rosemont, Illinois and generates approximately $23 billion in annual revenue, according to the news release from the Governor’s Office.”

Todd Haymore, Secretary of Commerce and Trade , was quoted as saying the news release, “US Foods employs approximately 900 employees across its two operations in Manassas and Salem, so it’s exciting to see the company further expand in Prince William County. The Commonwealth’s booming distribution industry has a direct economic output of more than $11 billion, and we’re confident Virginia will continue to be a prime location for US Foods.”

“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 Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Prince William County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor McAuliffe has approved a $350,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the county with the project. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Corey A. Stewart, Chairman, Prince William Board of County Supervisors, was quoted as saying in the news release, “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.:

“US Foods is a great company,”  Senator Dick Black was quoted as saying in the news release. “Our economy is on the move, and we will give US Foods the support and encouragement to expand.”

“The decision by US Foods to expand and remain in Prince William County is great news,” Delegate Jackson Miller was quoted as saying in the news release. “This investment shows that Prince William County and Virginia continue to be a great place to do business.”