Azure Standard, a national distributor of organic and natural foods, is setting up shop in South Point with a major investment of more than $9.3 million. The project will bring 150 new jobs to Lawrence County—but for now, local customers won’t be able to pick up products in their own backyard.
Despite the new distribution hub coming to South Point, Azure Standard’s system of drop-site deliveries still does not include a pickup location in Lawrence County. Nearby customers must travel to Scioto County, where orders are delivered to the Christ Temple Church parking lot. Customers there must arrive at least 15–20 minutes early, since any unclaimed items may be sold off the truck. Orders are non-returnable and come with an 8.5% drop shipping fee. If any items are left behind, a 10% labor and handling fee may also apply.
Still, the arrival of Azure is a big win for Lawrence County’s economy. The company is moving into the Spec 13 building at The Point industrial park, where they’ll add 20,000 square feet of cold storage, 2,000 square feet of office space, and 14 greenhouses for year-round organic produce.
“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 Azure founder and CEO David Stelzer. “At Azure, we believe food is foundational to health.”
Azure Standard began as a family farm in Oregon in the 1970s and grew into a national company known for its focus on natural, non-GMO, and organic products. The company sells everything from bulk grains and fresh produce to dairy, paper goods, and eco-friendly cleaning products under brands like Azure Market, Azure Market Organics, Azure Farm, and Azure Clean.
The expansion to Ohio is part of a public-private partnership involving JobsOhio, Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), the Ohio Department of Development, and the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation. JobsOhio also provided an $880,000 grant to help construct the Spec 13 building.
Governor Mike DeWine praised the company’s decision to come to Ohio, calling it a perfect fit for the state’s top industry—agriculture. “We look forward to welcoming Azure to Lawrence County as they grow their operations in the heart of it all,” he said.
Local leaders echoed that excitement. “This is a significant project for Lawrence County and our community,” said Bill Dingus, Executive Director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corporation. “We’re thrilled that Azure has chosen to locate in South Point. This is an impressive, growing company with a nationwide customer base.”
The Azure Standard South Point facility will help the company cut down on fuel use and reduce shipping times to customers throughout the Midwest and East Coast.
“This is a great win for Lawrence County,” said Lt. Governor Jim Tressel. “Not only does this investment reinforce our state’s top industry, it will also support local families and build a foundation for even more development in the area.”
Azure’s leadership says they’re excited to be part of southern Ohio’s future. “This is a powerful example of what happens when values-driven companies find the right communities to grow in,” said Stelzer. “We’re grateful to the state of Ohio and Lawrence County for the warm welcome.”
