Cleveland, OH – September 13, 2010 – Construction begins this week on Pierre’s Ice Cream Company’s 35,000 square-foot state-of-the-art ice cream manufacturing facility.
The new plant will be located adjacent to the west end of Pierre’s 56,000 square-foot headquarter office and distribution center on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland’s Midtown District.
Cleveland City Council approved the project in June.
“We are very excited to be able to move forward,” said Pierre’s President and CEO Shelley Roth. “We have a wonderful, experienced team. Having the tools and capacity to serve our customers better will give us a competitive advantage in the industry.”
The new production plant will allow Pierre’s the opportunity for long-term growth through increased product offerings by adding manufacturing capacity necessary to compete effectively.
In addition to providing extra production space, the new facility is designed to maximize efficiency and improve sustainability. Features include the installation of insulated panels to optimize heating and cooling. Energy efficient automated production equipment will streamline production and improve output capacity. Hot and cold air from the production process will be recycled to heat and cool rooms. Windows and skylights will be positioned to provide natural light in many rooms.
A new, automated flash-freeze hardening system will also be installed in order to enhance Pierre’s proud reputation for freshness and quality. Special paneling, floors and equipment will be constructed to enhance sanitation and ensure food safety. New stainless steel holding tanks for liquid ingredients as well as brand new flavor tanks, mixing equipment, piping, pumps, filling equipment and conveyors will also be added.
The project will complete Phase II of a master plan that began in 1995 with the construction of Pierre’s Euclid Avenue corporate office and distribution buildings. The new production building will consolidate all Pierre’s operations under one roof, which will help increase efficiency and reduce fuel consumption.
Construction is scheduled to be completed by spring of 2011.
Pierre’s Ice Cream Company is a leader in the production and distribution of gourmet ice creams, sherbet, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and frozen novelties. Over 235 products and flavors share the Pierre’s name. The company is privately owned and operated with its headquarter office and production plant in Cleveland, Ohio. Pierre’s has over 75 years of tradition and commitment to the highest quality standards, outstanding service and industry leadership. For more information about Pierre’s, visit www.pierres.com.
