FORT WAYNE, IN — Dreyer’s Grand Ice Cream is growing again. On June 15, company leaders for the ice cream maker 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.
“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.
