Wells Enterprises has announced plans to expand its ice cream factory Dunkirk, New York, which would bring more than 200 new jobs to the local community. A rendering of the plant’s exterior design is seen above.
The facility plays an important role in the Le Mars, Iowa-headquartered company’s growth plans for the national manufacturing network of its Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop and Blue Ribbon Classics brands. The expansion is expected to more than double current production output in Dunkirk while enabling continued innovation in the in novelty and packaged ice cream sectors.
“We are extremely grateful for the partnerships with Empire State Development, Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency, and the City of Dunkirk as their support remains critical to take us over the finish line on this incredibly exciting project,” said Mark Meyer, chief operating officer of Wells Enterprises.
Construction is scheduled to begin in the fall of 2023, with official groundbreaking in early 2024 and completion of the project and the beginning of operations by late 2025. This follows the growth vision highlighted during following the acquisition of Wells Enterprises by the Ferrero Group last December.
Employing more than 4,000 people, Wells Enterprises is the largest privately held ice cream maker in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by Wells family members for generations, the independent operating company of the Ferrero Group produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states.
Alba, Piedmont, Italy-headquartered Ferrero, in business since 1946. is one of the world’s largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic treats and snacks sold in more than 170 countries. Among the brands are Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac and Ferrero Rocher.
