A NEW £90 million Centre of Excellence is to be developed at Arla in Lockerbie, and could bring up to 90 new jobs to the area.
Arla Foods this week revealed their big plans for the creamery at Priestdykes, where they want to set up a new centre for the production of UHT and Lactofree milk.
The firm says it will strengthen their manufacturing network and ‘futureproof dairy production in the UK’.
Speaking about the proposals, Arla Foods UK managing director Bas Padberg said: “The proposed investment into Lockerbie showcases our commitment to driving change in the UK, and supporting the future of British dairy. There is an increasing focus on the role the UK food industry plays in helping to tackle the health crisis and provide good food to nourish a growing population.”
Arla Foods UK board director, and Arla farmer, Arthur Fearnall, added: “We are incredibly proud to see this significant investment proposed for Arla’s Lockerbie site. We’re excited to see how this progresses over the coming years as we continue to work together to ensure all Arla farmer owners receive the best price for their milk.”
The huge investment boost has been widely welcomed locally.
Dumfriesshire MP David Mundell believes it’s ‘a real vote of confidence in the local workforce’.
“The dairy industry is a major driver of our economy here in Dumfriesshire and, if confirmed, this substantial package of investment would go a long way towards maintaining vital local jobs and supporting the farmer-owned cooperative,” he said.
South Scotland MSP Colin Smyth also described it as ‘really positive’, adding: “If the proposal goes ahead, it will help secure the future of the Arla Cooperative in the area and would be a vote of confidence in the dairy sector in Dumfries and Galloway.
“I hope it sends a signal that the region is not only open for business for agriculture but it will remain key to the local economy.”
And the NFU Scotland Milk Committee chairman, Bruce Mackie, said: “This multi-million-pound investment in milk processing in Scotland by a ‘blue-chip’ European co-operative is a huge vote of confidence in this nation’s ability to produce milk.
“The proposed investment in UHT and Lactofree production at the site has the potential to double the milk-processing capacity at Lockerbie and we look forward to hearing how Scottish producers can help meet the co-op’s demand for additional milk.
“The sustainability ambitions of Arla are aligned with the capabilities of Scottish dairy farms to produce low carbon milk in a sustainable manner through efficient and well invested farms operating in a climate that is ideally suited to milking cows.
“There is tremendous potential for raw milk production in Scotland and this investment in stainless steel and innovation north of the Border is not only welcome, but it must send a clear signal to other milk processers.”
However, while it’s good news for this region, there’s a knock-on impact for Arla sites elsewhere, with closure and changes at two sites in Yorkshire. As such, consultation is due to start next month with those potentially affected.
