OBSERVER File Photo The Fieldbrook Foods facility in Dunkirk is set for $100 million in upgrades. FIELDBROOK FARMS

The Wells expansion project is progressing nicely at Fieldbrook Foods in the city of Dunkirk, according to Mayor Wilfred Rosas.

“The Wells and Fieldbrook project is continuing to move forward,” Rosas stated at the city’s Common Council meeting Tuesday. “We continue to work with them, Wells continues to make major improvements to the facility, updates will total to approximately $100 million and will include updates to the loading docks, internal improvements, access improvements, parking improvements and a new electrical substation.”

According to Rosas, the city will continue to work with Wells Enterprises in order to support the successful expansion within the community. Rosas added that he “met with the CEO, these people are very excited and they just purchased property in Henderson, Nevada to increase their footprint in that area as well.”

Rosas was thrilled to mention that with the expansion will come more than 50 new jobs to the area with each one looking to pay approximately $50,000 each with a full benefit package.

Wells Enterprises, Inc. acquired Fieldbrook, headquartered in Dunkirk, from Arbor Investments on April 15 of this year. The purchase expands Wells’ current manufacturing capacity, diversifies its ability to support customers geographically to help meet future demand and adds an important footprint on the East Coast.

Wells is currently the No. 3 ice cream manufacturer in the U.S. with brands including signature brand, Blue Bunny, along with private label and co-pack business. They also produce the iconic Bomb Pop, Blue Ribbon Classics and its newest brand, Chilly Cow.

Fieldbrook operates two manufacturing facilities, one in Dunkirk, another in Lakewood, New Jersey. Together Wells and Fieldbrook will employ over 3,800 people and produce close to 200 million gallons of ice cream.