Azure Standard Inc. Expands Horizons with $9.3M Investment in Lawrence County, Ohio
A New Era for Food Distribution in Ohio
SOUTH POINT, Ohio – A wave of excitement is sweeping through Lawrence County as Azure Standard Inc., a renowned food distribution company, announces its ambitious plans to invest $9.3 million in a new facility. This expansion promises to generate 150 new jobs and significantly bolster the local economy.
Azure Standard: A Brief Overview
Azure Standard Inc. has a rich history that began in the fertile fields of Dufur, Oregon. Originally a family farm, the company transitioned to organic farming in 1973 and took its first steps into food distribution in 1987. Today, Azure stands as a leading national supplier of organic, non-GMO, and natural foods. The product range includes everything from bulk grains and fresh produce to pantry staples and specialty health items.
The New Distribution Facility
The new facility will be located at the Spec 13 building in South Point, mirroring the infrastructure currently utilized at Azure’s headquarters in Oregon. This strategic location is set to feature:
- 20,000 square feet of cold storage
- 2,000 square feet of office space
- 14 greenhouses dedicated to growing fresh produce
This ambitious initiative will also involve a significant buildout of the 60,000 square foot building, complete with advanced refrigeration systems, racking, and conveyor systems.
Ohio’s Commitment to Agriculture
Governor Mike DeWine hailed this move, stating, “Food and agriculture are Ohio’s #1 industry, so Azure Standard’s expansion into Ohio to grow and deliver fresh, healthy foods is a perfect fit.” He emphasized the importance of Azure’s endeavor in enhancing the agricultural landscape in Lawrence County.
Why Choose Ohio?
J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio, highlighted the strategic importance of Ohio’s site inventory, saying, “Azure Standard’s decision to choose Ohio for its newest operations underscores the importance of having site inventory to make it easy for companies to choose Ohio and invest rapidly.”
A Commitment to Freshness and Sustainability
David Stelzer, founder and CEO of Azure Standard, expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion: “This move to Ohio represents more than a geographic expansion—it’s a commitment to serve our East Coast customers with greater speed, sustainability, and freshness.” Azure believes that food is foundational to health, ensuring that this philosophy is reflected in every aspect of their operations—from farming to distribution.
Support and Collaboration
This investment is being supported by a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority, along with additional backing from JobsOhio, who provided a $880,000 grant to assist with the construction of Spec 13 through the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP).
Local Sentiments
Bill Dingus, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation, expressed his optimism, stating, “We’re thrilled that Azure has chosen to locate in South Point; this impressive, growing company caters to a nationwide customer base.”
Conclusion
With its significant investment and expansion plans, Azure Standard Inc. is set to make a notable impact on the local economy and food distribution landscape in Ohio. This venture not only strengthens the company’s commitment to healthy eating but also reinforces Ohio’s position as a hub for agricultural innovation.
Stay tuned for updates from WSAZ as this exciting development unfolds!
For more on Ohio’s agricultural initiatives, visit the Ohio Department of Agriculture.
