Arla Foods UK to invest in world’s largest fresh milk dairy
Arla Foods UK has today (16 November 2009) confirmed it is to invest in building a new one billion litre liquid milk processing facility on the outskirts of London.
Today’s announcement follows a previous intention from Arla Foods amba that it would make significant further investment in the UK business as part of its UK growth strategy.
The new facility will be the largest and most technologically advanced of its kind in the world and creates a platform for Arla to grow its fresh milk business. Operational in 2012, it will be the world’s most efficient milk processing facility with world-class environmental credentials.
It is anticipated that circa 500 production, distribution and administration jobs will be created at the site.
Commenting on the new facility, Peter Lauritzen, CEO of Arla Foods UK said: “Arla is totally committed to a long-term sustainable future in the UK and the construction of the new dairy demonstrates that commitment. Incorporating the most sustainable building techniques the dairy will be the largest, most efficient and environmentally advanced in the world.”
Peter added: “The project has now started and we are currently finalising the land search. Detailed plans will be presented to the Arla Foods amba board in early 2010. We already have an industry leading site at Stourton, in Leeds, but our new, cutting edge, facility in London will be world leading and take dairy processing into the next generation.”
Arla Foods UK plc is home to some of the UK’s leading dairy brands including Cravendale, Lurpak and Anchor. Processing approximately two billion litres of milk a year Arla continues to be one of the UK’s leading dairy companies and a supplier of fresh liquid milk and cream to the top seven retailers.
Over 2,500 daily deliveries are made directly to stores nationwide and Arla brands can be found across the dairy category. As well as the leader of the butter, spreads and margarine sector, and a major supplier of other added value products including flavoured milk and cheese, Arla continues to build working relationships with Arla Foods Milk Partnership, a unique group of dairy farmers, which supplies around 90 per cent of Arla's total milk requirements.
Behind this leading business is a team of circa 2,800 people across the UK located at our dairies, distribution centres and head office.