DUNKIRK, NY – At its December 19, 2023 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 a multi-million renovation project of its existing facility in Dunkirk.
In August 2023, Wells Enterprises announced plans for the expansion of its Dunkirk manufacturing facility, located at 1 Ice Cream Dr. The facility plays an important role in the company’s expansion plans for the company’s national manufacturing network of its Blue Bunny, Halo Top, Bomb Pop, and Blue Ribbon Classics brands. The expansion is 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. It will result in the retention of over 400 jobs and, once completed, add over 200 jobs.
The Ferrero Group recently acquired Wells Enterprises, its operations, and its ice cream brands.
The two family-owned businesses 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.
“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 CCIDA-approved PILOT is for 10 years and will result in payments to the affected taxing jurisdictions (City of Dunkirk, Dunkirk School District, and Chautauqua County) totaling $2,219,067, with Wells Enterprises saving $450,900 in property tax payments during that time period. The sales tax exemption will total $11.5 million. Based on a CCIDA Cost Benefit Analysis, the total local economic benefit of the project is $490.8 million.
“This is a game changer for the County and Region, and I am proud that the CCIDA was able to assist Wells Enterprises in bringing this exciting project to fruition. 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 versus elsewhere,” said Mark Geise, Deputy County Executive for Economic Development and Chief Executive Officer of the CCIDA. “Our team has worked diligently with the Wells team and the City of Dunkirk over the past several years, which has culminated in this substantial project; the benefits are going to be widespread.”
“We are thrilled to witness Wells' enduring dedication to Chautauqua County and the City of Dunkirk. The substantial investment made by this global company in our community speaks volumes about the exceptional caliber of our local workforce,” said Paul “PJ” Wendel, Chautauqua County Executive. “Additionally, I would like to express my gratitude to the CCIDA, led by Mark Geise, for their tireless efforts in bringing this project to fruition.”
“The City of Dunkirk is excited for Wells Enterprises 21st Century rebuild and expansion. We are pleased for the hundreds of hard-working employees now at Wells – and the hundreds to be added with the planned expansion – who can plan and build on a generation’s worth of good-paying jobs. These jobs will help populate our schools, create additional value in our city, and allow the employees and their families to live, work, and thrive in our community,” said Willie Rosas, Mayor of Dunkirk.
In addition to the assistance provided by CCIDA, New York State is also supporting the project with 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.
“Together we have changed the story in Dunkirk from a major loss to a huge win. 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 Kathy Hochul’s leadership,” said Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight in August.
"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, COO of Wells Enterprises.
The project is estimated to begin in the first quarter of 2024.
For additional information about the Ferrero Group, please visit: Ferrero.com.
For additional information about Wells, please visit: WellsEnterprisesInc.com.
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.
