Cleveland, OH – June 13, 2011 – Pierre’s Ice Cream Company’s brand new 35,000 square foot ice cream factory is getting busy making batch after batch of the same creamy frozen treats that have made the Cleveland-based company a favorite for almost 80 years.
Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, Ward 5 Councilwoman Phyllis Cleveland and former United States Senator George Voinovich joined Pierre’s President and CEO Shelley Roth in opening the production plant with a ceremonial ribbon cutting held this morning on the company’s north lawn.
“Today is a very exciting day in the history of our company,” said Roth. “This new factory not only provides our experienced team the space and resources to continue making the most delicious ice creams imaginable, but will also allow us to better serve and offer new products to our customers.”
Featuring state-of-the art energy efficient automated production equipment, the new ice cream plant will provide Pierre’s the ability to produce up to eight times its previous capacity.
New features include the installation of an automated flash-freeze spiral hardening system designed to enhance Pierre’s reputation for freshness and quality. Special paneling, floors and equipment were added to 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 were also installed.
Many sustainability features were built into the design. Insulated panels optimize heating and cooling. The plant’s environmental systems recycle the hot and cold air generated from the production process and refrigeration systems to heat and cool rooms throughout the complex. Windows and skylights provide natural light.
Construction on the plant began last September. It is 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. The new factory will replace Pierre’s former 34,000 square-foot production building located at 6519 Carnegie Avenue.
The project completes Phase II of a master plan started in 1995 with the construction of Pierre’s Euclid Avenue corporate office and distribution buildings.
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.
