SK Food Group, a Seattle, Washington-based company specializing in food products for a variety of market segments, will invest $13 million to establish its next food manufacturing facility in the Columbus, Ohio, region. The firm expects to create approximately 250 jobs during the next three years.

SK Food Group will operate an environmentally controlled food manufacturing facility within an existing 150,000- to 200,000-square-foot warehouse in a yet to be determined Columbus Region location. From this facility, the company will prepare, package and distribute sandwiches and entrées to retail outlets, convenience stores and vending machine companies throughout North America.

“We were impressed with the Columbus Region’s reputation in the manufacturing sector, including food manufacturing, and also its strategic location for logistics and distribution channels,” said Steve Sposari, President/CEO, SK Food Group. “We are excited to grow the company’s operations and our workforce in Central Ohio.”

SK Food Group produces a complete line of food products for a variety of market segments. The company’s products, including its signature Oven Pride Kitchen line, are found in the nation’s largest big box retail outlets, convenience stores, vending machines, and throughout the transportation industry. Hiring is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2014, with positions including production, warehouse, and administrative staff.

"SK Food Group chose Ohio as the location for its central and eastern U.S. food processing facility following extensive analysis and nationwide search. Ohio's strong and stable business climate, deep agriculture and food processing expertise, and geographic proximity to major markets all proved to be compelling business drivers," said John Minor, President and Chief Investment Officer, JobsOhio. "We're pleased to welcome SK Food Group to Ohio."