Müller UK & Ireland outlines next phase of Skelmersdale site transformation
With global demand for dairy products projected to increase over the coming decade[1], Müller UK & Ireland has outlined its next phase of transformation for its site in West Lancashire. The dairy company is investing significantly in the site’s capacity and capabilities to further strengthen its position as a major producer and exporter of powdered milk products made in Britain, with milk from British farms.
As the business works to create a flagship facility for milk drying and dairy ingredients products in Skelmersdale, it has confirmed plans to build an in-house logistics hub for the site. With a dedicated logistics hub on site, designed to accommodate up to 65 milk collection vehicles, it will support with the collection of raw milk daily from supplying farms.
People
To support the ongoing investment and growth of the site, the dairy company has confirmed it will recruit up to 90 new roles within a new logistics hub at Müller Skelmersdale. Vacancies will range from drivers and driver trainers to vehicle technicians and logistics support roles.
In addition, following ongoing collaboration with the dairy company’s strategic long-term retail partners, Müller is proposing to move fresh milk and cream production from Skelmersdale to alternative locations within its existing UK network.
As part of these proposals, the business has confirmed a collective consultation at Skelmersdale to assess future operational requirements. Under these proposals, Skelmersdale would become a centre of excellence for milk balancing – strengthening its role in securing supply chain resilience and supporting the wider dairy industry.
While the review potentially places up to 90 roles at risk of redundancy, the final outcome will not be determined until the process has been completed.
Within the proposal, the dairy company would look for potential opportunities of skill redeployment across the wider site and Müller network.
The business will approach the consultation in an open and constructive manner, with a commitment to understanding the views of colleagues. All available options will be evaluated thoroughly before making any decisions.
Rob Hutchison, CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients, said: “We’re investing in a flagship facility that will set new standards for milk drying, dairy ingredients products and logistics, creating a bright future for Müller Skelmersdale. Our investment will lead to better service and quality for our customers at home and abroad and new opportunities for local people.
“Change is never easy, and consultations can be unsettling. We take this process seriously and will carefully consider every option before making decisions.
“We’re confident in the plans underway and the future developments we’re working on at Müller Skelmersdale – initiatives that will strengthen our position and deliver benefits across the entire dairy supply chain. We are creating long-term and highly-skilled local job opportunities and putting Skelmersdale firmly on the map as a key player in the UK dairy industry.”
Müller UK & Ireland is wholly owned by Unternehmensgruppe Theo Müller, a family owned business which employs over 33,000 people throughout Europe. Servicing customers with strategic partnerships throughout the UK & Ireland, while exporting to over 60 countries internationally, the business develops, manufactures and markets a wide range of branded and private label dairy products made with milk from over 1,000 farmers in Britain, alongside a designated plant-based range.
