Company announces $9.3M investment in Lawrence County

SOUTH POINT, Ohio (WSAZ) – A food distribution company announced on Monday that it is expanding with a new development in South Point, Ohio that will create 150 new jobs.

Azure Standard Inc., a nationwide natural health food distributor, plans to develop a new distribution and greenhouse facility at the Spec 13 building in South Point, replicating the HQ location currently operating in Oregon.

Azure Standard began as a family farm in Dufur, Oregon, transitioning to organic farming in 1973 and launching as a food distribution company in 1987.

The company distributes organic, non-GMO, and natural foods nationwide, offering bulk grains, produce, dairy, pantry staples, and specialty health products.

The investment in South Point is estimated at $9.3 million.

“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,” said Ohio Governor Mike DeWine. “We look forward to welcoming Azure to Lawrence County as they grow their operations in the heart of it all.”

At Spec 13, the company plans to add 20,000 square feet of cold storage and 2,000 square feet of office space, additionally building 14 greenhouses at the location for produce. The investment includes buildout for the 60,000 square foot building with refrigeration system, racking, and conveyors.

“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,” said JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef.

“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,” said David Stelzer, founder and CEO of Azure Standard. “At Azure, we believe that food is foundational to health. That belief drives everything we do—from how we farm to how we distribute. This new location brings us closer to the people we serve and strengthens our ability to steward healthy living from the soil to the table.”

This investment is supported by a Job Creation Tax Credit from the Ohio Tax Credit Authority and pending approvals. JobsOhio also supported the construction of Spec 13 with a JobsOhio Spec Development Grant through the Ohio Site Inventory Program (OSIP) for $880,000 in 2021.

“We’re thrilled that Azure has chosen to locate in South Point, this is an impressive, growing company with a nationwide customer base. We look forward to supporting Azure’s growth and success here in southern Ohio,” said Bill Dingus, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation.

JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), Ohio Department of Development, and the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation all took part in today’s announcement.

Keep checking the WSAZ app for the latest information.

Copyright 2025 WSAZ. All rights reserved.