ZEBULON - U.S. Foodservice is set to expand after buying nearly 38 acres just across the Johnston County line from its existing distribution center.

The company hasn't announced any formal plans to expand the Zebulon distribution center, but spokeswoman Christina Koliopoulos said the company was prepared for growth.

"Obviously, there are plans for expansion, but there are still approvals that need to be made by the board [of directors]," she said.

The company, which employs just over 600 people in Zebulon, distributes food, equipment and supplies to grocers and food retailers. Its headquarters are in Rosemont, Ill.

U.S. Foodservice purchased the new property Feb. 16, paying Deborah and Avon Privette Jr. $373,000 for the land.

The site has been in the news before.

In 2008, the town of Zebulon, the city of Raleigh and Johnston County agreed to let Zebulon extend water and sewer lines to the site.

At the time, Privette was working to sell the land to a developer who wanted to create a small business park.

That deal fell through, though, and the lines were never built.

Zebulon planning director Mark Hetrick said he was aware of the sale but that no one with the company had approached the town about building on the site.

He said Zebulon and Raleigh officials would likely go back to the Johnston County Board of Commissioners to get their permission again if the company asks for water and sewer service to the site.

"In order to receive utilities, they would have to be annexed into the town limits," Hetrick said.