July 4, 2024

UK-based Pembrokeshire Creamery launches US$25.4 million milk processing facility

Pembrokeshire Creamery, a supplier of milk in Wales, UK, has officially launched a processing facility as part of an investment of nearly GBP 20 million (US$25.4 million), creating about 80 jobs, Insider Media reported.

The creamery has the capacity to bottle more than a million litres of milk a week and has recently announced major deals to supply own-branded milk to Asda and Lidl stores across Wales. When the dairy reaches full capacity, it will be able to supply around two million litres of milk a week.

The development of Pembrokeshire Creamery was initially supported by the Welsh Government and Pembrokeshire County Council, who formed a joint venture to create the Pembrokeshire Food Park. This venture was instrumental in creating the necessary plots and infrastructure, including drainage, water, and power, for Pembrokeshire Creamery to establish its new dairy.

Subsequent support from the Welsh Government included GBP 5 million (US$6.3 million) in grant funding through the Food Business Investment Scheme and an additional GBP 1.4 million (US$1.7 million) from the Food Business Accelerator Scheme. HSBC also provided funding support.

To date, nearly GBP 20 million (US$25.4 million) has been invested in the site to process high-quality Welsh milk that is farmed, bottled, and sold in Wales. Recently, the company announced plans to support the development of a second milk processing line and automated trolley fillers.

Mark McQuade, managing director of Pembrokeshire Creamery Ltd, said: "We are already committing to more investment and increasing our capacity, and we would like to thank all of the people locally, our staff and suppliers, who have supported us as we've built and opened our new state-of-the-art facility."

Huw Irranca-Davies, Wales Cabinet Secretary for Climate Change and Rural Affairs, said: "I am delighted that the new Pembrokeshire Creamery has started processing Welsh milk for Lidl and Asda. This new facility, supported by Welsh Government Rural Development investment, underlines the commitment of the Welsh Government to the dairy sector in Wales.

"This investment ensures that milk which previously had to be transported to England is now processed in Wales. As a result, Welsh consumers will now be able to buy Welsh milk, produced in Wales."

-      Insider Media