OBSERVER Photo An $87 million expansion project for Fieldbrook Foods in Dunkirk is expected to begin soon.

Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency board of directors is expected to approve an $87 million project that will lead to additional investment and jobs at the Fieldbrook Foods Corp. facility in Dunkirk at its next meeting Tuesday.

A public hearing regarding the project was Thursday morning at the State University of New York at Fredonia incubator location at 214 Central Ave. in Dunkirk. According to the application filed with the IDA, Wells Enterprises Inc. is looking to add an additional four to six manufacturing lines at the city site while building a power substation that it says is “critical to enable current capacity and future growth.”

Mark Geise, chief executive officer of the county IDA, says the proposed expansion by the company in the city site shows a commitment to the region. “They are investing here and they believe in this community,” he said. “That’s a great sign.”

In all, the project is expected to increase employment by 70.

Earlier this month, Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas announced the expansion plans for the Fieldbrook site during a Common Council meeting. “We continue to work with them,” he said on Sept. 3. “Wells continues to make major improvements to the facility.”

Additionally, Fieldbrook Foods Corp. and Wells Enterprises will invest $7 million to acquire land and construct a power substation for the expansion at 115 Doughty St. That property is currently owned by the Police Benevolent Association. In the application, the company expects to “incur approximately $200,000 in demolition and foundation site-preparation work for the substation.”

Wells is requesting $3.6 million from the IDA for the project, which includes grants and a payment in lieu of taxes at $218,000 for 10 years.

In addition to the planned investment, Geise noted that the Wells organization has a history of being involved in the community. “They really help out with local charitable organizations and events,” he said. “I expect them to be a very good community partner.”

The project, which was originally scheduled to begin earlier this month, also is expected to bring 20 to 25 temporary construction jobs to the region as well as generate an additional $1.5 million to $2.5 million in indirect spending related to the increased jobs and facility improvements.

A September 2023 completion date is proposed for the expansion.

Wells Enterprises Inc. announced its purchase of Fieldbrook Foods in April. The company is the largest privately held, family-owned ice cream manufacturer in the United States. Founded in 1913 by Fred H. Wells, the company is still owned by the Wells family.

It produces more than 150 million gallons of ice cream per year and distributes products in all 50 states. Wells manufactures its signature brand Blue Bunny, the iconic Bomb Pop, Blue Ribbon Classics and its newest brand, Chilly Cow.