The Cape Cod Potato Chips factory will stay in Hyannis and will be expanded

Instead of moving the Cape Cod's potato chips production away from the "outdated" and "overcrowded" Hyannis factory on the Cape that the chips are named after, Snyder’s-Lance is instead investing $20 million to upgrade the facility and to add more than 17,000 square feet to the site to provide more space for its manufacturing operations and improve the tour experience for its visitors and guests.

John Flores, Barnstable Town Councilor:

“Call it a bit of hometown pride, but this particular redevelopment project means a little something extra special to the region.”

“Obviously, keeping Cape Cod chips right here on Cape Cod and in Barnstable is a win-win for everybody.”

“It’s in our best interest to have companies like Cape Cod Potato Chips be committed and continue to work with the town.”

The Barnstable precinct includes the village of Hyannis, where the Cape Cod chip factory is located.

Snyder’s-Lance, which includes Cape Cod Potato Chips among its stable of 16 brands, disclosed the possible move in the application for review of the project filed with the Cape Cod Commission.

From the project filed with the Cape Cod Commission:

“Portions of the structure are experiencing significant deterioration” despite significant investment in the building, which dates to the mid-1980s.”

“The configuration of the parking area, loading docks and building entrances requires pedestrians to navigate through truck loading areas, presenting a safety hazard..”

Ultimately, however, the North Carolina-based company decided to keep the Cape in Cape Cod Potato Chips and make a “significant investment” into the town and property, which employs more than 100 people, the application states.

Joey Shevlin, Snyder’s-Lance spokesman:

“Our company continually evaluates our operations to best use our investments and resources as effectively as possible,.”

“The improvements at this facility would create operational efficiencies, as well as enhance the experience with the Cape Cod brand at our popular public tour.”

Wendy Northcross, CEO of the Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce:

“The fact that they’re staying here is great news, especially because their brand is Cape Cod.”

“It keeps them authentic and we love having that type of diversified company in our economy.”

“The specialty food manufacturing sector is important.”

The project includes demolishing a 3,300-square-foot area that houses offices, a retail space and tours on the building’s west side. In its approximate place, a 10,930-square-foot, two-story addition will be build to allow for expanded office areas, employee meeting areas and an improved tour and retail space, according to project information filed with the Cape Cod Commission. Snyder’s-Lance also is planning a 10,050-square-foot warehouse addition on the northerly side of the building in the place of the loading docks, which will be relocated to the east side of the building.

The interior of the building, which now measures 34,100 square feet, also will be renovated and its equipment upgraded, the application states.

Shevlin wrote that the company could begin the project 30 to 45 days after it receives permits. The entire project is expected to take six to eight months to complete.

Flores said he believed the project would receive a warm welcome from the town.