Wells unveils plant ‘reconstruction’
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We should stop calling Wells Enterprises' upcoming project at its Dunkirk plant an "expansion," because it's not. It's not really even a "renovation." The best word is "reconstruction."
Company executives shared a site plan for a project at the Main Street ice cream maker Wednesday at a Dunkirk Planning Board meeting. The project was announced Tuesday and is intended to add more than 200 new jobs.
Wells envisions a 202,000-square-foot plant when the project is finished -- down from its current 237,000 square feet. However, the smaller plant will be much more modern and efficient.
"Our plans are to build a new facility on our current site and more than double the output of ice cream," said Brad Galles, a senior Vice President at Wells.
The footprint of the new plant would be markedly different. The section of the current facility closest to the railroad tracks would be torn down and replaced with parking, truck bays and green space.
"The addition of the green space, that's pretty huge," said Planning Board member Andy Bohn.
Meanwhile, Wells executives want to construct part of the new plant close to Newton Street -- which will necessitate purchase and teardown of three houses on that street. Negotiations are underway for that.
The Planning Board approved a preliminary site plan and initiated the State Environmental Quality Review process Wednesday. One planning board member requested to see a more in-depth description of landscaping and fencing around the facility in the final site plan proposal.
Wells Executives said no interruption of operations is planned while the project is under construction. They did not offer a time frame for it but hope to start site work in the fall.
"The front of the building looks beautiful," said Planning Board member John Mackowiak.
"If there was a beauty contest, you'd win. The building, not you guys," he told the Wells executives, drawing laughter.