Governor Hochul Celebrates Wells Enterprises’ Significantly Expanded $425 Million Investment at its Dunkirk Ice Cream Manufacturing Facility

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Hope Knight said, “An excellent expansion deal at the Wells ice cream plant has just gotten sweeter, with an additional $175 million investment from the company. Food manufacturing is an important part of New York State’s recipe for economic success and a skilled workforce is the key ingredient. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, public-private partnerships are generating the jobs of the future in Chautauqua County and all across the State.”

State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, “This expansion is great news for the hundreds of dairy farmers that supply fresh, local milk for the Wells Enterprises ice cream plant, and for Wells Enterprises itself, which has a long-standing tradition of producing some of New York’s finest dairy products. This will not only help to solidify Wells’ future in Western New York but will also ensure New York State remains a leader in the dairy industry for years to come. I look forward to seeing this project come to fruition.”

State Senator George Borrello said, “The decision by Wells Enterprises to expand the scope of their new manufacturing facility in Dunkirk is tremendously exciting. It is a sign of their confidence in our local workforce, award-winning dairy suppliers and strong state and local partners. Those resources will continue to be integral as Wells innovates and strives to reach new goals. My thanks go out to Governor Hochul, Empire State Development and Chautauqua County leaders for the partnership and commitment that made this latest success possible.”

Assemblymember Andy Goodell said, “Wells Enterprises’ expansion is great news for Chautauqua County. Wells has quality products, is a great employer and is an important economic pillar for the surrounding area. Many thanks to Wells Enterprises for your continued investment in our community.”

Dunkirk Mayor Kate Wdowiasz said, “We are thrilled with Wells Enterprises’ monumental investment of $425 million in the City of Dunkirk and northern Chautauqua County. This expansion not only signifies their 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.”

Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel said, “Today marks a monumental day for Chautauqua County as Wells Enterprises significantly expands their investment in Dunkirk. 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 County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency and the State of New York for their invaluable funding and support in making this project possible. We look forward to celebrating this sweet success together.”

CCIDA CEO Mark Geise said, “I am proud of the prior support the CCIDA was able to provide to Wells Enterprises to help make the two previous phases a reality for this exciting project. We look forward to continuing our relationship with the company and working with management in the coming weeks and months to provide new assistance for the additional expansion plan, to ensure it will come to fruition and provide additional jobs for the city of Dunkirk and Chautauqua County.”

The ice cream plant will also continue to utilize Americold’s new cold-storage distribution facility located in the Town of Dunkirk, which is providing much-needed storage for the food supply chain in the area. Americold’s $41 million project was supported by up to $700,000 in performance-based taxed credits through the Excelsior Jobs Program in return for the creation of 60 full-time jobs.

Additional information about the Ferrero Group, Wells Enterprises, and Wells Enterprises B-Roll video.