February 14, 2014

Crediton Dairy invests US$3.7 million in processing equipment

Crediton Dairy, which underwent a management buyout from Arla Foods last year, has completed a £2.2 million (US$3.7 million) investment in hi-tech equipment at its Devon base.

Crediton has invested in a high speed filling line which has been made in Japan.

The equipment is capable of filling at a rate of 14,000 litres per hour and is the fastest such system in the UK.

The dairy firm will use the new equipment to produce its range of long life flavoured milk drinks, which is one of the fastest growing areas of the dairy market.

The latest investment of £10 million (US$16.7 million) has gone into processing equipment at the site since 2010.

Over the next 18 months, the dairy plans to launch a new range of milk drinks and is currently working with packaging firm Elopak to ensure that its production process is as efficient as possible.

Managing director Tim Smiddy said: "The installation of this new filling line is an important part of our strategic plan for the growth and development of Crediton Dairy. It gives a further major boost to our processing capacity and capabilities and, most importantly, will equip us with the necessary balance of scale and agility to respond to the needs of customers and consumers alike."

Crediton Dairy is behind milk products including long life milk brand Moo; Flora pro activ; Mars Family Refuel and Galaxy chocolate milk.

The business has a turnover of around £70 million (US$116.6 million) and a processing capacity of processing capacity of 200 million litres. It supplies all the main supermarkets including Tesco, Sainsbury's, Waitrose, Marks & Spencer and Morrisons.