First Milk invests £16.8m at Lake District Creamery

Major dairy processor First Milk has committed to investing millions in its Lake District Creamery in Cumbria.

The co-operative, which is supplied by roughly 700 farmers in the UK, will invest £16.8m at the site with a focus on cheese production.

First Milk expects that upgrades at the creamery, including the installation of larger cheese vats, will enable it to increase its production capacity by 20%.

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The site will continue to produce cheddar cheese and dairy ingredients, with the regeneration project anticipated to take two years.

Stefan Mason, cheese business unit director at First Milk, said: “This is a hugely important investment for First Milk and a clear demonstration of our long-term commitment to the Lake District Creamery, our farmer members and the wider Cumbrian economy.

“As a farmer-owned co-operative, we are focused on creating long-term value through efficient, resilient and high-quality dairy production.

“Increasing the capacity and capability of the site will help us meet growing market demand, strengthen operational performance and support future growth across the business.

“Lake District Creamery is a strategically important site for First Milk, and this investment ensures it remains well positioned for the future.”

First Milk also continue to partner with Arla Foods at the creamery to produce whey protein products.

New leadership

First Milk chief executive, Shelagh Hancock, has confirmed she will retire from the co-operative early next year after 10 years in the role.

Meanwhile, Rabdf chair and Cumbria dairy farmer Robert Craig has rejoined the First Milk Board as a farmer director.