Wells Enterprises CEO Liam Killeen shakes hands with Gov. Kathy Hochul.
State Gov. Kathy Hochul today, joined by company leadership, employees and community stakeholders, announced that Wells Enterprises is significantly expanding its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Dunkirk. The now $425 million project will increase capacity of its current ice cream production, create new capabilities for future innovation, and add a first-of-its-kind chocolate manufacturing facility within the plant to use for ingredients in its ice cream and novelty products.
“We are building momentum in Chautauqua County’s manufacturing sector, with multiple companies growing and creating hundreds of new jobs in Dunkirk and the region,” Governor Hochul said. “The expansion of the Wells Enterprises is an important win, and we’re transforming a struggling plant into a high-tech facility that will benefit New York workers, local business partners, and the region’s hard-working dairy farmers.”
This investment will enable the company to add 270 new jobs and retain approximately 380 full-time jobs. It will be one of the largest single private investments ever made in Chautauqua County. New York State is supporting the project with up to $12 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 County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency is also working with the management team of Wells to provide support that will expedite the project.
Wells Enterprises CEO Liam Killeen said, “We couldn’t be more excited about the future of Wells and the role this expansion in Dunkirk will play in our ambition to be the U.S. ice cream category leader. We are extremely grateful to the State of New York, Chautauqua County, and the community of Dunkirk for their unwavering support of our growth. Most importantly, this is testament to the leadership and commitment of every one of our team members in Dunkirk. Their passion, drive, and excellence in operations are truly what makes this possible.”
The new Dunkirk facility will be about 350,000 square feet, more than doubling its current footprint. The facility’s production capabilities are expected to increase output to more than four times their current production to support the company’s growth in novelty and packaged ice cream. The newly announced expansion plans include all new production lines, more than doubling the number of manufacturing lines with high-output capabilities, creating new innovation capabilities, a new chocolate ingredient manufacturing facility, and best-in-class breakrooms, offices, and facilities designed to provide the best working environment for their team. Construction has already begun on the new facility. Wells is continuing to manufacture ice cream products in the existing facility while construction is underway.