Wells Enterprises Receives CCIDA Support for Phase III Redevelopment of Dunkirk Facility

Assistance will help company with effort to build a new, state-of-the-art complex to produce ice cream and frozen novelty products; will create approximately 270 new jobs

DUNKIRK, NY -- At its November 19, 2024 meeting, the County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency (CCIDA) Board of Directors approved incentives to Wells Enterprises, Inc. The incentives, which include a Payment In Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) agreement and Sales Tax Exemption, will assist the company with the construction of its new, state-of-the-art facility in Dunkirk. This latest round of CCIDA incentives (Phase III) for the company follows two previous rounds of incentives (Phase I in 2019 and Phase II in 2023). When combined, all three phases result in Wells adding 270 new jobs and retaining approximately 380 full-time jobs.

In August 2023, Wells Enterprises, owned by The Ferrero Group, announced plans for the full redevelopment of its existing Dunkirk manufacturing facility, located at 1 Ice Cream Drive. The facility plays an important role in the company’s expansion plans for its national manufacturing network of Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics brands. This Phase II project was anticipated to more than double the facility's current production output and help support their continued plans for growth in novelty and packaged ice cream, while enabling future innovation. The estimated total cost of the Phase II project was $250 million and will create an estimated 250 new jobs by 2028.

Earlier this year, Wells announced that in addition to the previously announced redevelopment effort, it would also build a new state-of-the-art, 133,000 square-foot Segregated Compound Facility ("SCF") which will serve as a new chocolate plant and increased production space. The SCF would be the first of its kind in ice cream in the US, with the ability to run a 15-line plant by 2028. This Phase III project is estimated to cost $175 million and will create 20 new jobs by 2030. An estimated 150 temporary construction jobs would also be created by the project.

To help ensure Phase III can move forward, the CCIDA on Tuesday provided a 10-year PILOT for the project and will result in payments to the affected taxing jurisdictions (City of Dunkirk, Dunkirk School District, and Chautauqua County) totaling $2,241,980.

In July, New York State Governor Kathy Hochul was in Dunkirk to announce the state is also 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 new facility increases the total project cost to $425 million between Phase II and Phase III. The Phase I portion of the project, announced in 2019, involved $87 million in capital investments to the existing Wells facility, which included the addition of new property to accommodate a $7 million power substation.

 “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,” said Liam Killeen, Wells Enterprises CEO.

 “Over the past five years, Wells has committed to investing more than $500 million in our county, illustrating a tremendous commitment to the Dunkirk community and the local workforce for years and decades to come,” said Mark Geise, Deputy Chautauqua County Executive for Economic Development and CCIDA CEO. “I am proud of the support the CCIDA has been able to provide to Wells to help make all three phases a reality and ensure we not only help to retain jobs in northern Chautauqua County, but also see a significant increase in the coming years.”

“Wells Enterprises' commitment to our community's prosperity is truly commendable, and we are proud to support this transformative project. This expansion goes beyond ice cream production; it represents a promising future for Dunkirk and Chautauqua County. We are grateful for Wells and the Ferrero Group's dedication to our region, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the CCIDA and the State of New York for their invaluable funding and support in making this project possible,” said Paul “PJ” Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive.

 “This expansion not only signifies Wells’ commitment to the community but also promises a brighter future by creating 270 new jobs. Together, we will pave the way for economic growth and prosperity, ensuring that Dunkirk and Chautauqua County continue to thrive and shine,” said Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz.

Both The Ferrero Group and Wells have a strong history of success. Ferrero, which was founded in 1946, has grown to become a global leader in sweet-packaged foods, including confectionary, ice cream, biscuits, and snacks. Wells has become the world’s largest family owned and managed ice cream company since it was founded in 1913 as a dairy delivery business.

Artone Receives Loan for Equipment Purchase

In other action during the November CCIDA board meeting, a low interest loan of $240,000 was approved for Artone LLC, located at 1089 Allen St., Jamestown, NY. The loan will be used to assist the company with the purchase of new equipment, with a total cost of $600,000. The rate and term for the loan was 4% for six years. Artone manufactures furniture for the hospitality industry and earlier this year the company celebrated 50 years in business.

“Artone is a family owned-and-operated business in Jamestown with a successful track record of providing quality furniture for the hotel and hospitality industry,” Geise said. “We are happy to assist them with the purchase of new equipment that will help the company keep a competitive edge by creating more efficiency in their operation to help expand capacity and capability.”

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About Wells Enterprises - Wells Enterprises, Inc. is the largest privately held ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells and run by the Wells family for generations, the company is an independent operating company of the Ferrero Group, one of the global leaders in sweet, packaged foods. Wells produces more than 200 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny®, lower-calorie Halo Top®, the iconic Bomb Pop®, and Blue Ribbon Classics®. Wells employs nearly 4,000 ice cream aficionados across the country. The company is headquartered in Le Mars, Iowa, where Wells has made Le Mars the “Ice Cream Capital of the World” as the largest manufacturer of ice cream in one location. Wells operates two manufacturing plants in Le Mars, a manufacturing plant in Dunkirk, New York, and a manufacturing facility in Henderson, Nevada. Learn more at wellsenterprisesinc.com.

About CCIDA - The CCIDA is an economic development organization authorized and empowered by the State of New York to make Chautauqua County a better place to work, live, and visit. They facilitate development by attracting new businesses, while promoting the retention and expansion of existing businesses. Assistance in the form of incentives – tax abatements, low interest loans, and bond financing – enhances the opportunities for job creation and retention by our businesses.  For more information visit www.ccida.com.