PADUCAH, Ky., Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dippin' Dots, LLC , the maker of the iconic and novelty ice cream and frozen treats, today announced a $3.1 million modernization and renovation at its Paducah, Kentucky manufacturing facility.
Dippin' Dots president Scott Fischer and CEO/Founder Curt Jones inside the Dippin' Dots production plant in Paducah, KY. (PRNewsFoto/Dippin' Dots) (PRNewsFoto/DIPPIN' DOTS)
Dippin' Dots President, Scott Fischer. (PRNewsFoto/Dippin' Dots) (PRNewsFoto/DIPPIN' DOTS)
Dippin' Dots has produced and distributed its patented flash frozen tiny beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice products since microbiologist Curt Jones invented the cryogenic process in 1988. Made at the company's production facility in Paducah, Kentucky, Dippin' Dots distributes its unique frozen products in all 50 states and 11 countries and employs 170 people.
The investment includes the construction of a new energy efficient freezer system, and operational upgrades designed to improve efficiencies throughout the existing 120,000 square-foot production and distribution facility.
Dippin' Dots' President Scott Fischer referred to the investment as an important step in positioning the company for future growth. "This investment underlines our long-term commitment to reinvigorating the widely recognized Dippin' Dots brand and build on our existing products with innovative frozen treats in the coming months and years," commented Fischer. "The plant upgrades ensure we have the production capacity and capabilities to meet increased demand as we expand our points of presence across the United States and other countries in the coming years."
He continued, "As Dippin' Dots enters its 25th anniversary year, this new capital investment also fulfills numerous goals for our company. It assures sustainability through energy efficiency gains and provides significant utility cost and maintenance savings."
Curt Jones, Dippin' Dots inventor and founder, noted the unique frozen treats are stored after production in a special 17,000 square foot 40 degree below zero freezer system. Jones said the new freezer system - in addition to being environmentally sensitive - would also uphold the high quality standards the company sets for the products it makes.
Stan Jones, vice president of operations, says the state-of-the-art freezer system utilizes a cascade refrigeration system equipped with a new industrial cooling technology. "This process, the latest in 'green' technology, has proven to be ideal for products requiring ultra-low temperatures such as Dippin' Dots," Jones added. The company plans to pursue LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification for the project.
The Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority (KEDFA) preliminarily approved the company for tax incentives up to $500,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment program. The performance-based incentive allows a company to keep a portion of its investment over the term of the agreement through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting job and investment targets. The upgrades, renovations and expansion will create 30 new jobs.
In announcing the Dippin' Dots project, Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear said, "Many of us associate Dippin' Dots as an essential part of the fun enjoyed at theme parks, fairs and festivals. As Kentuckians, we are proud that this global brand comes from the Commonwealth. These factors make this expansion of 30 new jobs and a multi-million dollar investment in Paducah that much greater."
Construction will start this spring with completion anticipated later this year.
About Dippin' Dots Dippin' Dots has been producing and distributing novelty ice cream products since 1988. Made at the company's production headquarters in Paducah, Kentucky, Dippin' Dots are an international product, with sales in all 50 states and 11 countries. The company currently has 170 employees, 60 of which reside in Paducah KY. Dippin' Dots are tiny, flash frozen beads of ice cream, yogurt, sherbet and flavored ice. Invented in 1988 by microbiologist and entrepreneur Curt Jones, Dippin' Dots offers more than thirty different flavors, plus seasonal flavors. The company will mark the 25th Anniversary of Dippin' Dots this summer.
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