CORRY, Pa - Just a short distance from Clymer, Stedman resident Jonathan Wood is producing chips.
The owner of The Brothers Wood Potato Chip, along with his brother Curtis, has started making his product on weekends in a new facility near Corry, Pa. Wood said he gained access to the facility in July and in less than six months he was able to start production.
''All the regulations and the process was done quickly and smoothly,'' Wood said.
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The Brothers Wood Potato Chips being made in its new facility near Corry, Pa. The business’ sea salt chips can be found in area business like Farm Fresh Foods, Lighthouse Grocery, Wegmans and is being distributed by Maplevale Farms.
Submitted photos
Also, because of the history of Troyer Farms in the area, Wood was able to find volunteers willing to lend their expertise in making the salty snack.
''It was more difficult in New York state because no one knew how to make chips,'' he said. ''Down here, people have experience in making chips.''
Wood said the process in which the chips are produced yields a chip unlike any other. Using corn oil and frying the thick sliced potatoes longer creates a thick, dark and crispy chip with great flavor.
''Our chips are a little darker, a little thicker and a little crispier than the average kettle cooked chip,'' he said.
Wood said he hopes soon to start full-time production with employees on staff making chips in the 6,000-square-foot facility. The Brothers Wood Potato Chip company produces a sea salt flavor. The chips can be found in in area business like Farm Fresh Foods, Lighthouse Grocery, Wegmans and is being distributed by Maplevale Farms. Wood said he hopes to soon expand the number of places that sell his product and he is excited to have his customer base expand, as well. However, Wood doesn't want to get too large, only wanting to sell his chips in a 150-mile radius.
''I want to be a small business. I want to make everything by hand and have everything used be local,'' he said.
Wood said he wouldn't have been able to start producing chips without a few Corry area residents and officials. He said Mike Messinger and Jim Mays have been instrumental in making the potato chips. Also, he received help from Rick Novotny of the Corry Area Industrial Development Corporation and Melanie Johnson of the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership. Wood said he was assisted by Nate Arnone, Design8 owner, in designing the potato chip bag and with marketing.
Wood said he held an open house last month with 250 people attending. In the future, he would like to invite groups and schools into the factory so people can witness the chip making process. Those interested in a tour should call 814-462-2422. For more information, visit thebrotherswoodcompany.com or call 789-CHIPS.