The NFU has applauded “truly excellent news” after Milk Link announced a £20 million investment in its Lockerbie creamery.
The UK’s largest cheese maker, owned by more than 1,600 dairy farmers, says it will upgrade the site to rank it among the most advanced in the UK.
By installing the latest processing technology, Milk Link will increase annualised production by 12,000 tonnes to over 37,000 tonnes of cheese per annum.
The investment will not only secure the long term future of the creamery, but also help to provide a platform for the expansion of dairying in South West Scotland and the North of England.
In line with the new creamery’s increased processing capacity, Milk Link will now be actively recruiting additional members on both sides of the border.
NFU dairy board chairman Mansel Raymond said: “The news of an investment on this scale in modern dairy processing is truly excellent news.
“The NFU has a vision for a vibrant and expanding industry, to reflect the growing global demand for quality dairy products. Investment of this type, not only on UK soil, but by a farmer owned cooperative business is very exciting.
“Milk Link’s plan not only represents investment in world class, efficient manufacturing capacity, but signals a business strategy of market growth in both domestic and export markets at its core.
“The news will be welcomed by Milk Link members and wider NFU members alike, for whom this represents an opportunity to tap into added value markets for their milk.”
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