The project includes renovation work on the existing facility and a 220,000ft² expansion, which will take the plant’s total usable floor space to more than 466,000ft².

The expansion project of the facility is expected to be complete by the end of next year.

US Foods Metro DC Area president Jim Sturgell said: “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.”

Prince William Board of County Supervisors has given its approval to the agreement signed between US Foods and the Industrial Development Authority of Prince William County, as well as negotiated the provision of a $350,000 grant from the county’s Economic Development Opportunity Fund for the construction of the new facility, along with the purchase of new equipment

Virginia governor McAuliffe will also provide a $350,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund.

McAuliffe said: “Virginias 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 recognise the advantage of Virginias strategic Mid-Atlantic location and extensive transportation infrastructure.”

Prince William County’s strategic location will allow US Foods to access a large number of US markets on the East Coast, including New York City, Philadelphia, Washington DC, Atlanta and Boston.

US Foods has almost 25,000 employees in more than 60 sites and generates annual revenues of $23bn.