Late last month, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo announced that Fieldbrook Foods Corporation, a leading U.S. producer of private label ice cream and novelty products, has completed a $4 million expansion to increase ice cream production at its headquarters in Dunkirk, allowing the company to add 61 full-time jobs and retain 586 full-time jobs.

"Fieldbrook Farms is a great Western New York company and this expansion ensures that they will continue to an important part of this region’s economy for years to come," Governor Cuomo said. "We're committed to helping businesses grow, thrive and create jobs in New York and this exciting announcement is one more reason why this is a region on the move."

With over 32 production lines at its New York plant, Fieldbrook ranks among the largest ice cream facilities in the U.S. capable of producing over 120 million dozen of frozen novelties and 25 million gallons of ice cream annually. Fieldbrook's products are distributed to all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico.

The expansion of the company's 234,000 square foot Dunkirk facility in Dunkirk included the purchase of new machinery and equipment to add two new production lines to manufacture specialty ice cream products, with support from New York State. The project was completed thanks to $400,000 in Excelsior tax credits from Empire State Development.

"The expansion of Fieldbrook’s state-of-the-art production facility is an investment in the future of Dunkirk, Chautauqua County and New York State," said Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul during the announcement ceremony. "This addition to the ice cream manufacturer’s workforce is a testament to the job and business growth that New York has experienced under Governor Cuomo’s leadership."

Fieldbrook Foods operates one of the most comprehensive and flexible manufacturing platforms in the industry with offerings that include soft novelties consisting of ice cream sandwiches, cups and cones, as well as stick novelties across a wide array of items and packaging counts. They also produce a wide offering of ice cream products in various packaging sizes, formats, flavors and formulations for retailers, contract manufacturing customers, and food service operators throughout the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

Fieldbrook Foods President and CEO Bob Charleston said, "We at Fieldbrook Foods are excited about our future in Dunkirk. We continue to see progress in our manufacturing and warehousing operations and are delighted to add the additional 61 full-time staff to support this part of our overall strategy necessary to driving continued operational excellence throughout the Fieldbrook business. We have been fortunate to have received support from Governor Cuomo in our efforts toward expansion. Additionally, Fieldbrook has recently invested $6 million dollars of capital to add to our capacity which has resulted in the ability to hire these additional full-time employees. In addition to our management team and workforce, I must also give credit to Mayor Rosas, who has been a champion for our growth plans. The City of Dunkirk and the entire community have provided the strong leadership and support necessary for maintaining a growth oriented and business friendly philosophy. We are also thankful for the support and cooperation we have received from Teamsters Local 264 in our growth and improvement journey."

Empire State Development President, CEO & Commissioner Howard Zemsky said, "Fieldbrook’s Dunkirk facility now employs hundreds of workers and their investment in two new production lines will help them maintain their competitive edge and plan for future production increases as the ice cream market continues to grow."

Senator Catharine Young said, "Fieldbrook Foods has been investing in Dunkirk and it is great to see its continuing job growth and expanding operation. Everyone is working to increase manufacturing jobs and enhance economic vitality in the region. We are grateful that Fieldbrook is committed to our community."

Assemblyman Andy Goodell said, "It is always exciting to see a local employer add a substantial number of new jobs to our community, and it proves that companies can be very successful in New York State when local government, county government, and State government work together to meet the needs of private industry."

Dunkirk Mayor Willie Rosas said, "The City of Dunkirk is on the precipice of a remarkable recovery and significant growth. This is evidenced by the changes we have seen and continue to see in the area. Seeing Fieldbrook Foods expand their operations is a positive for the City. Growth, expansion, economic development, jobs and working hand in hand with the businesses in this area is the change this City has been working toward. We could not be more pleased with the efforts that Mr. Charleston and Fieldbrook have put forth to continue their involvement here in our City. We look forward to many more years of shared growth."

Chautauqua County Department of Planning and Economic Development Director and Administrative Director/CEO of County of Chautauqua Industrial Development Agency Kevin Sanvidge said, "Chautauqua County is extremely proud to have partnered with Empire State Development, the City of Dunkirk and Fieldbrook Food. This investment will result in over 60 new jobs at the Dunkirk facility and clearly shows that Dunkirk is on the Move. There truly is the feeling of a renaissance happening in Northern Chautauqua County and the City of Dunkirk. The Chautauqua County Industrial Development Agency will continue to work with the management team at Fieldbrook to help insure their investment will benefit all of their shareholders including all of the employees."

For more information about Fieldbrook Foods, click here.