OBSERVER Photos Four to six additional manufacturing lines are part of the expansion for the Fieldbrook Foods plance in Dunkirk.

Two expansion projects, including a major investment of $87 million by Wells Enterprises Inc. at the Fieldbrook Foods plant in Dunkirk, received the approval of the Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency on Tuesday morning.

Board members heard from Tom Anderson, director of finance and accounting at Wells Enterprises Inc., before approving the proposal. Anderson told of the company’s history and its ambitions since purchasing the city facility in the spring.

“We’re in a growth mode,” he said. “The nice thing about Wells is we’re committed to the long-term health of the collective organization as well as the community.”

The incentive package will ensure Wells keeps the 492 full-time positions at the plant and allows it to move forward with a plan to create 50 new full-time positions over the next three years and 70 total new positions by 2025, with an average salary of $50,000. In addition, the company will invest $7 million to acquire land and construct a power substation for the expansion at 115 Doughty St.

“We have seen the passion and dedication of both the community and the workforce. Updating the facility will allow us to create even more job opportunities following the installation of additional manufacturing lines and a new power substation,” said Mike Wells, Wells Enterprises, Inc. chief executive officer and president in a press release issued after the meeting. “An increased presence on the East Coast helps us better address the needs of our customers, and we’re excited to build upon the tremendous foundation established by Fieldbrook Foods.”

Mark Odell, county legislator and IDA board member, offered his gratitude to the company for its investment. “This is great,” he said. “You had choices, but you chose here for rail, truck, interstates and the airport. … We appreciate that.”

Also in attendance for the approval was Dunkirk Mayor Wilfred Rosas, who has a history of working with the ice-cream maker. “This is a huge announcement for the city of Dunkirk and all of northern Chautauqua County,” he said. “I’m very proud to be a part of it and we’re excited about this project.”

Wells 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.

Also expanding is S. St. George, a full-service construction company based in the town of Pomfret. Board members approved an abatement related to a $765,000 project that will add nearly 20,000 square feet to its existing 23,000 square foot facility in order to create a temperature-controlled environment for inventory and heavy equipment storage. The company currently employs 58 full-time employees, and plans to create seven new full-time positions over the next three years.

“Our company has grown and prospered in Chautauqua County since our founding in 1981, while having diversified our offerings, which range from construction services to disaster cleanup, as well as developing specialized equipment for clearing explosive munitions,” said Steve St. George, owner of S. St. George Enterprises. “We look forward to continuing to build our company while creating new opportunities here in Chautauqua County.”

Both projects will provide boosts to the local economy over the course of the Standard 10-year payment in lieu of taxes programs.

“Welcoming Wells Enterprises to our community and witnessing the evolution of S. St. George’s operation are great examples of why Chautauqua County is a great place to live, work, visit, and do business,” said Mark Geise, deputy county executive for economic development and chief executive officer of the IDA. “We’re proud to have worked diligently with both organizations to develop mutually beneficial opportunities that will deliver business results while promoting positive economic impacts in the region.”