Dippin' Dots (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Dippin’ Dots LLC plans to expand operations in Paducah, creating 30 new, full-time jobs and investing more than $3.1 million in the project.
Dippin’ Dots currently employs 170 workers, 60 of whom live in Paducah. Operational improvements will include purchasing energy efficient equipment, upgrading processes and renovating the facility.
“Many of us associate Dippin’ Dots as an essential part of the fun enjoyed at theme parks, fairs and festivals,” Gov. Beshear said. “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.”
A legendary Kentucky success story, Dippin’ Dots has produced and distributed its patented ‘tiny beads’ ice cream products since microbiologist Curt Jones invented the cryogenic process in 1988. Manufactured at the company’s production headquarters in Paducah, Dippin’ Dots’ products are distributed in 48 states and 11 countries. Available in many flavors, Original Dots, Dots ‘n Cream, Coffee, and Dot Treats have changed the public’s way of looking at ice cream. In 2013, Dippin’ Dots attracted more than 5 million Facebook fans devoted to the unique frozen treats.
“This investment underscores our long-term commitment to market the wonderful Dippin’ Dots’ brand, introduce new products to complement existing ones and maintain the historic ties to Kentucky,” said Dippin’ Dots President Scott Fischer. “The upgrade of our unique production facility supports our plan to increase our point of presence across the United States and other countries in the coming years.”
To encourage the investment and job growth in Paducah, 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.
KEDFA also approved Dippin’ Dots for tax benefits up to $25,000 through the Kentucky Enterprise Initiative Act, which allows approved companies to recoup Kentucky sales and use tax on construction costs, building fixtures, equipment used in research and development and electronic processing equipment. 