Joy Cone to Invest $10M in Hermitage Plant Expansion
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Tom Wolf announced Friday that Joy Cone, a manufacturer of ice cream cones based in Hermitage, Pa., will expand its cookie manufacturing operations to meet increasing market demand for cookie and wafer products.
The expansion is Joy Cone’s second significant capital investment in the region in less than three years. The company has pledged to invest more than $10 million in the project and create and retain at least 400 full-time jobs over the next three years.
“The food manufacturing industry is thriving in Pennsylvania,” said Gov. Wolf in a prepared statement. “The commonwealth’s partnership with Joy Cone will help them meet consumer demand, create jobs in Mercer County, and produce sweets and treats to be enjoyed worldwide.”
As part of the expansion, Joy Cone Co. will invest in a new, high output wafer line. This will fund the purchases of new machinery and equipment, and employee retainment and training, positioning company for long-term growth.
Joy Cone received a funding proposal from the Department of Community and Economic Development for the project. The proposal includes a $450,000 Pennsylvania First grant, a comprehensive funding tool to facilitate increased investment and job creation within the commonwealth.
“Given the growing demand for our product, we knew we needed to purchase this new equipment quickly, and this grant is a tremendous help as we manage this significant capital cost,” said David George, the president and CEO of Joy Cone Co. “We are excited for this new phase as we continue to grow our operations in western Pennsylvania.”
The project was coordinated by the Governor’s Action Team, an group of economic development professionals who report directly to the governor and work with businesses that are considering locating or expanding in Pennsylvania.
“Celebrating over 100 years in our community, Joy Cone has made their family business part of the lives and livelihoods of so many hard-working local families,” said state Sen. Michele Brooks, also in a prepared statement. “This partnership helps keep family-sustaining jobs in our community, but also expands job opportunities. Joy Cone is not only a strong contributor to the economic fabric of our community; their philanthropy has included local families in need and reached far beyond to include support for victims impacted by Hurricane Harvey, revealing the authentically big hearts of Pennsylvanians.”
“Joy Cone Company has been a source of good jobs and local pride for our community for over 100 years. The commonwealth’s investment will help Joy Cone to further expand its product line and retain and create jobs for our local workforce,” added state Rep. Mark Longietti.
Pennsylvania is known as the “Snack Food Capital of the World,” according to the governor’s office. With major producers of pretzels, potato chips, confectioneries, and chocolate, Pennsylvania’s snack food and confectionery industries generate more than $5.1 billion in sales annually. The commonwealth’s 2,300 food-processing companies are No. 1 among the 50 United States in the value of shipments of canned fruit and vegetable specialty products, chocolate and cocoa products, potato chips, and pretzels.
Joy Cone was established in 1918 and has operated at 3435 Lamor Road in since 1964. The company maintains its headquarters and two production facilities in Hermitage. Products are sold under its own label and for the private label market. Major customers include Walmart, Kroger, Aldi, McDonald’s, Dairy Queen and Unilever.
PREVIOUS EXPANSION:
Aug. 8, 2018: Joy Cone $22M Expansion Nears the Finish Line
Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
