FORT WAYNE, Ind. – Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is growing again. Company leaders for the ice cream maker today announced plans to invest over $145 million in an expansion of its Fort Wayne production facility, anticipating up to 145 jobs by the end of 2024.
The plans include two new production lines for the company’s Drumstick® products, set to be fully operational by the end of 2023. That’s in addition to another new Drumstick® production line, announced in October 2020, which is already up and running.
“We have been serving customers across the U.S. our delicious and quality ice cream for over 35 years from our Fort Wayne facility, and are very excited to continue to grow our capacity and team to make more ice cream with this sizable investment,” said Julia Zirpoli, Factory Manager at Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream’s Fort Wayne facility.
Founded in 1928, Dreyer’s is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area and is part of Froneri, a fast-growth global ice cream company with operations in Europe, Latin America, Africa, the Asia-Pacific region, and the U.S.
“Dreyer’s continued growth in Fort Wayne is another example of private investments that are making a tremendous impact in our community,” Fort Wayne Mayor Tom Henry said. “The planned expansion and new jobs are an encouraging sign that Fort Wayne is a great place to start and grow a business. We value and appreciate Dreyer’s commitment to being part of the positive momentum we’re experiencing in our city and region.”
“Indiana is committed to cultivating a pro-growth business environment,” said Interim Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Staton. “We are grateful that companies like Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream continue to choose Indiana and reinforce our state’s business-friendly reputation. We look forward to our continued partnership as we work to create new jobs.”
Dreyer’s currently employs about 400 at its Fort Wayne facility. The 100+ new manufacturing job opportunities will support the new Drumstick® ice cream production lines, offering competitive hourly rates, as well as full benefits, including a starting balance of three weeks of paid time off. Interested applicants can explore opportunities to join the Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream Fort Wayne team by visiting www.edysjobs.com.
“Our teams are the heart of our business, and while this investment will also count on the highly skilled local workforce of our Fort Wayne factory team, we look forward to bringing on new team members to help us on our mission to bring joy to people with ice cream. If you love ice cream as much as we do, come join us in making it at our Fort Wayne factory,” Zirpoli added.
About Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream
Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream, Inc. is a leading U.S. ice cream company, owned by Froneri, a fast-growth international business with a vision to build the world’s best ice cream company. Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream manufactures, markets and distributes a full spectrum of delicious ice cream and frozen snacks made with high-quality ingredients. With nearly 100 years of experience in the market, its robust portfolio of brands, which it manufactures and distributes in the U.S., includes Drumstick®, Haagen-Dazs®, Edy’s/Dreyer’s® Grand, Slow Churned®, Dibs®, Outshine®, Nestle Crunch®, Butterfinger®, Toll House®, Push-Up®, Frosty Paws®, Edy’s Pie® and Skinny Cow®. For more information on the company, please visit www.dreyersgrandicecream.com or follow them on LinkedIn.
About Greater Fort Wayne Inc.
Greater Fort Wayne (GFW) Inc. serves Fort Wayne and Allen County, Indiana, as its metro chamber alliance and primary point of contact for economic growth. GFW Inc. focuses on prosperity and community vibrancy through economic development, advocacy, programs and resources that support business success, leadership development, graduate retention and community engagement. GFW Inc. worked with state and local partners to assist Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream with their expansion plans. In 2020, GFW Inc. assisted 20 businesses in expansions or relocations in Allen County, resulting in more than 1,850 projected new jobs, more than $69 million in new annual payroll, and more than $169 million in new investment.
