US Foods Holding Corp., Rosemont, Ill., broke ground on the expansion of the company’s F. Christiana facility in Marrero, La. The investment, which was first announced in May 2018, will nearly triple the size of the current facility to support the company’s continued growth in Louisiana, parts of Mississippi and Alabama. The expansion will increase the facility size from 70,000 square feet to 200,000 square feet, and is expected to be fully operational by late 2020.

“This is an important day for US Foods, as we take the next step to expand our footprint in Louisiana and reaffirm our commitment to our customers and the community,” says Keith Knight, south region president. “We would like to thank Louisiana Economic Development, Jefferson Parish and JEDCO for their ongoing support through the many phases of this important investment.”

The expansion will support the company’s ongoing efforts to offer additional products and services to restaurant and foodservice operators in the region, and will create additional distribution opportunities across key markets.

Highlights of the updated facility include a state-of-the art kitchen and training center for customer product demonstrations and recipe innovation and an interactive technology center where US Foods customers can learn about the company’s web-based business solutions.

In addition, the facility is designed to meet LEED Silver certification requirements and will incorporate energy and environmental improvements, such as energy efficient refrigeration systems, energy saving LED lighting, optimized HVAC systems and water-efficient landscaping. The company also committed to using recycled content furnishings and building materials, implementing waste segregation and recycling waste generated during demolition and construction.

US Foods acquired F. Christiana in June 2017.