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Area Development - Site Selection, Facility Planning and Workforce Development

Wells Enterprises Expands Dunkirk, New York, Production Plant

08/24/2023
Wells Enterprises, the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the U.S., plans to expand its operation in Dunkirk, New York. The project is expected to create more than 200 jobs.

The investment will more than double the manufacturing facility's current production output and help support the company's continued plans for growth in novelty and packaged ice cream, while enabling future innovation. Construction on the expansion is scheduled to begin in Fall 2023.

"We are extremely excited to build on the strength of our team in Dunkirk and continue to work with the community to grow and expand our operations here. The investment in Dunkirk illustrates our passion to provide high-quality premium ice cream products that bring joy to consumers around the world. The planned expansion also reinforces our dedication to our team, consumers, and the community as a critical part of the long-term future of our company," said Liam Killeen, CEO of Wells Enterprises.

The project is being supported by up to $10 million in Excelsior Jobs Program tax credits and a $6 million grant from Empire State Development in exchange for job creation and capital investment commitments. The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency is also working with the management team of Wells to provide the support necessary for company executives to officially greenlight the project.

“Together we have changed the story in Dunkirk from a major loss to a huge win,” Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight noted. “The construction of Wells' new state-of-the art ice cream plant will add hundreds of jobs, it's a sweet victory for the community, and ESD is proud to have played a role in negotiating. Whether it is ice cream, yogurt, or cereal, the food manufacturing industry is an important ingredient for our economy. The new high tech production facility in Dunkirk is a taste of the job growth and business opportunity that New York has experienced under Governor Hochul’s leadership.”

Wells Enterprises, Inc. is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods.?

“I am proud that the CCIDA was able to assist the Ferrero Group and Wells Enterprises in bringing this exciting project to fruition,” added Mark Geise, CEO of the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency. “They have been a great partner, and I am grateful that they recognize the quality of the workforce in Dunkirk and chose to make their investment here in our community.”

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