YOUNGSTOWN — Valley Foods Systems’ planned $4.4 million expansion of its downtown facility has received a $1.3 million boost from JobsOhio to support the development needed, according to the company, to expand its product lines.

The project would grow the company’s manufacturing space by about 7,200 square feet and its freezer and refrigeration space by about 6,200 square feet, plus nearly double the size of the workforce to 62.

Valley Foods Systems, founded more than 60 years ago as a home-based catering service, has grown into serving customers with custom and private label items across the U.S. on military bases and where natural disasters happen.

For more than 40 years, the company has been serving the National Guard.

“We are very excited about our expansion and adding additional employment opportunities to our hometown of Youngstown. Our products are exceptional and we look forward to continuing to bring quality products to our military and expanding our customer base with our retort products,” John M. Valley, vice president, said.

The motivation behind the expansion is to grow the product lines as the company adds to its food sterilization capabilities, which will allow Valley Foods Systems to bid on more contract work with the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency within the U.S. Department of Defense.

JobsOhio is the state’s private economic development corporation. Other partners on the project are Youngstown, Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and Team NEO, the private economic development organization across 18 northeast Ohio counties, including Mahoning and Trumbull counties.

“Valley Foods has carved out a niche in the food industry. Their continued success and expansion as a Youngstown company operating in the (Mahoning) Valley for decades is a great story to be celebrated,” T. Sharon Woodberry, economic development director for Youngstown, said.

“It is vital to support existing businesses that are a source of employment to local residents,” she added.

Sarah Boyarko, chief operating officer for the Regional Chamber, said: “This expansion will position Valley Foods Systems for future opportunities within its industry and support the ongoing revitalization of the downtown Youngstown business district.”

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