U.S. Foodservice, Inc.

Topeka, Kan., by Greater Topeka Chamber (June 17, 2009) – U.S. Foodservice, Inc. will spend approximately $13 million to increase their warehouse with a 50,000 square foot expansion to its distribution center located at 4725 US Highway 24. Groundbreaking ceremonies were held today on site.

U.S. Foodservice, Inc. 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 employs 175 full-time employees at its Topeka warehouse facility. The company plans to add more employees to serve the growing market and continue to help its customers.

GO Topeka worked with the executives at U.S. Foodservice® to ensure the facility remained in Topeka. The ability to negotiate an incentive agreement removed the need for the company to explore any other locations.

Topeka and Shawnee County continue to face increased challenges to keep our existing businesses from relocating elsewhere. Vic Miller, chairman of the Shawnee County Commission, said, "Keeping U.S. Foodservice in Shawnee County was a top priority and I’m ecstatic that we have been able to do so. Over the next ten years the salaries paid to direct and indirect workers will exceed $140 million and the net revenue for the city and county will exceed $2.5 million."

The incentive provided by GO Topeka through the county-wide economic development sales tax is up to one million dollars to U.S Foodservice for retention of their existing employees and possible addition of new jobs. The agreement is a ten-year commitment to retain the existing employees. Plus, as the company expands, GO Topeka will provide incentive dollars for up to 25 new employees.

"The retention and expansion of the US Foodservice Distribution Center and related high paying jobs continues to build the strong base of logistics and distribution in Topeka and Shawnee County," said Doug Kinsinger, Chamber president and CEO. "With the recent announcement and construction of a new distribution facility for Home Depot, the opening last year of the Del Monte Foods new distribution facility and recent successes such as Target and others, we are well on our way to building a strong industry cluster that takes advantage of our quality highway system and capable workforce."

Topeka greatly values U.S. Foodservice in the community because it is a primary business. That means it is generating revenue from outside the city and bringing it to Topeka and Shawnee County which is vital for the area to grow.

"U.S. Foodservice has been a strong primary employer for Topeka and Shawnee County over the years contributing to the local economy through excellent wages and benefits in addition to enhancing the tax base," said Steve Jenkins, senior vice president of economic development for GO Topeka. "The company’s decision to remain and expand its operation in Topeka and Shawnee County is a clear indicator of its confidence in our community as an excellent business location."

"The relationship that exists between U.S Foodservice and GO Topeka enabled Topeka and Shawnee County to retain an outstanding primary business that plays a vital role in the community. The expansion is a sign that U.S. Foodservice® is strengthening their position in this community and we expect them to continue to grow and prosper," said Dan Schemm, director of existing business for the Greater Topeka Chamber of Commerce/GO Topeka.

One of the main strengths of the company is the excellent workforce they employ at their Topeka distribution center.

"We’re proud to announce the expansion which will enable us to better serve customers and expand our industry leadership position. We are committed to continuing to be good citizens of the community, both as a company and as individuals," said Gary Myers, U.S. Foodservice division president.

The bulk of the construction will be finished in early 2010.

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