U.S. Foodservice-Austin has begun building a 290,000-square-foot, $50 million, LEED certified distribution center in Buda, Texas. The company expects to add 150 employees to its existing work force of 250 people. The facility will serve customers throughout south central Texas.

"We are proud to be a part of this terrific community," said U.S. Foodservice-Austin Division President John Fowler, who has led the expansion planning effort for the past three years. "Today's event represents the opportunity to offer a wider range of products to our customers, increase our work force, and operate from a more efficient, state-of-the-art building."

"Buda and Hays County have joined together to help make this outstanding economic development project possible," said Hays County Commissioner Jeff Barton. "We will benefit immeasurably from jobs, tax revenue, community support, and other benefits that U.S. Foodservice will provide us in coming years."

The center is expected to be complete by October 2011.