Wells’ Dairy Inc., the Le Mars, Iowa-based manufacturer of frozen dairy
products, reached a deal to sell its fluid dairy and cultured dairy
facility in Le Mars, Iowa to Dean Foods Co. Terms were not disclosed.
"Following extensive analysis, we have made a strategic
decision to focus all of our efforts and resources on our core business
of making quality ice cream," said Mike Wells, CEO of Wells’ Dairy.
"This committed focus puts us in the best position to reach our goal to
become a top 3 national brand in ice cream and frozen novelties and to
ensure the long-term viability of the company."
Over the past two years the Blue Bunny ice cream brand, Wells’
Dairy’s signature brand, is one of the fastest growing ice cream brands
in the nation.
"Blue Bunny ice cream and novelties in our major retailers is
already a top 3 brand and in many cases we’re number one, giving us
great confidence in our strategic focus," said Mike Wells. "To achieve
success in the ultra-competitive ice cream industry, we must
concentrate our sales, marketing and manufacturing efforts on the
single focus of making quality ice cream and frozen novelty products
for our expanding customer and consumer base."
Wells’ Dairy is currently working with Dean Foods on the
transition plan for the fluid dairy and cultured products facility in
Le Mars. Through an unrelated transaction, Wells’ Dairy is also
exploring the sale of its yogurt plant in Omaha, Nebraska.
