Wells expansion project moving ahead

In contrast to the recent construction of the nearby AmeriCold facility, the thousands of drivers on Route 60 might not realize the scope of the work, as this time their view is blocked. The project to more than double the Wells plant’s size is far from complete, but the neighborhood is already vastly different.

A wide open, dusty work site has replaced houses with small backyards at the end of Newton Street, where it runs into the National Guard armory. Wells’ current factory fronts on nearby Main Street, but the project will expand its footprint towards Newton.

The steel beams are up for the wall of the expansion that’s closest to the existing building. Beams are also going in for an apparent new floor on the existing main structure, raising the height considerably.

Main Street between Newton Street and the railroad tracks occasionally gets blocked these days, as workers maneuver the steel.

A large foundation, concrete covered in gravel, is in place where the Newton Street houses used to be. Wells bought out the property owners; the company changed its plans slightly when one homeowner on nearby Main Street wouldn’t sell.

The entire construction site is fenced and gated to restrict entry — but the work is clearly visible from Newton Street where it dead-ends at the armory.

New York Gov. Kathy Hochul visited Dunkirk in July to tout the $425 million expansion project. It’s expected to add about 270 jobs and protect Wells’ hundreds of existing positions in Dunkirk.

The project will add state-of-the-art equipment for making ice cream, and a new chocolate manufacturing room, offices, and breakrooms.