Fruth Pharmacy breaks ground on Ironton location

IRONTON -- A family pharmacy with a strong regional presence has found a new home Lawrence County.

Fruth Pharmacy, owned and operated by the West Virginia-based Fruth family, broke ground Friday on a new, 10,000-square-foot full-service pharmacy located near the intersection of U.S. 52 and State Route 141. The pharmacy will be located across the street from the $18.5 million, 46,000-square-foot St. Mary's Medical Campus in Ironton. The St. Mary's campus is expected to open this summer. Fruth Pharmacy is slated for completion in mid-October.

It will be Fruth's 26th pharmacy, with 16 locations in West Virginia and 10 in Ohio, employing more than 600 people. Approximately 25 jobs will be created when the new Fruth opens for business.

"We are excited about coming to Ironton and Lawrence County," said Lynne Fruth, president of the pharmacy chain started in 1952 by her parents, Jack and Frances "Babs" Fruth. "My dad liked to say he came to West Virginia with a suitcase full of dreams.

"We are excited to continue that in a business that is truly a family affair, by providing excellent customer service in a family atmosphere and offering good value for the items that families want to buy."

The Ironton Fruth location will offer a full-line pharmacy, over the counter medications, health and beauty products, groceries, household items and a wide selection of gifts.

The building is being constructed by the Lawrence Economic Development Corporation and will be leased to Fruth Pharmacy. Dan Mooney, LEDC president, said the pharmacy is a nice addition to Lawrence County business.

"Fruth Pharmacy is certainly a welcome member of our community," Mooney said. "It's a great thing anytime jobs are added to the local economy."

Lawrence County Commissioner Bill Pratt said adding another family name to the Ironton community is a plus.

"What a great addition to have another long-standing family name in business in our community," Pratt said. "Thank you to the Fruth family for your investment in our community."

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Fruth Pharmacy breaks ground on Ironton location