Ferrero to Expand Ice Cream Facility

Ferrero’s Wells Enterprises ice cream business plans to expand its Dunkirk, NY manufacturing facility, which would add more than 200 jobs and retain 401 existing jobs. said NY Governor Kathy Hochul in a statement.

“The new, state-of-art ice cream manufacturing plant in Chautauqua County will create jobs and spur economic growth for years to come,” Governor Hochul said. “This project is a win for hundreds of plant workers, a victory for many local business partners that benefit from the facility, and an important success story for the region’s overall economy.”

The expansion is anticipated to more than double the facility’s current production output and help support the company’s plans for growth in novelty and packaged ice cream. 

“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," said Liam Killeen, CEO of Wells Enterprises. "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.”

Construction will begin on the new facility in the last quarter of 2023. It will include all new production lines, cold storage, and administrative office space. Wells will continue to manufacture ice cream products in the existing facility while construction of the new plant is underway.

The company's success is strongly supported by local dairy farmers who provide the majority of the fluid milk used at the facility today. 

Ferrero, a confectionery and snacks manufacturer, acquired Wells Enterprises in December 2022. Wells ice cream brands include Blue Bunny, Blue Ribbon Classics, Bomb Pop, and Halo Top. The acquisition was part of Ferrero’s strategic growth ambitions for the ice cream category and Wells’ vision for accelerated growth.