UK – Saputo Dairy UK has proposed relocating its cheese packing operations from Kirkby to Nuneaton as part of a broader strategy to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
The proposal remains subject to employee consultations, and no final decision has been reached.
If implemented, the move would reportedly create new roles at the Nuneaton facility while raising concerns about potential job losses at Kirkby.
A company spokesperson emphasized the commitment to continuing cheese production at Hawes, affirming that Wensleydale Creamery and its onsite Visitor Centre would remain operational.
The spokesperson also stated that the proposed changes would not affect supplying farms. According to the company, the relocation is being considered to streamline operations while maintaining product quality.
Saputo, a Canadian food group, has been expanding its footprint in the UK dairy sector following its 2021 acquisition of Wensleydale Dairy Products for £23 million.
The company is also reportedly assessing the closure of its Somerset-based Frome factory, consolidating production at Nuneaton as part of its cost-cutting initiatives.
A report by industry sources indicates that the Kirkby Malzeard site, specializing in blending and packing operations, was part of the Wensleydale Dairy Products acquisition.
The company previously announced plans to shut down the Kirkby Malzeard creamery in North Yorkshire, a move that could end more than a century of cheese production in the village and place approximately 80 jobs at risk.
The closure, expected to take effect by July, was cited as part of a global consolidation strategy.
Saputo has made significant investments in the Nuneaton facility, which has been modernized to support enhanced production efficiency.
According to the company, shifting operations there aligns with its long-term business objectives while ensuring competitive product pricing.
Saputo’s presence in the UK has grown significantly since its £975 million acquisition of Dairy Crest in 2019, followed by the purchase of vegan cheese producer Bute Island Foods.
Be the first to leave a comment