Arla

Arla has announced the opening of its technologically advanced £150m fresh milk processing facility in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire.

The facility, which was opened by the State for the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Owen Paterson has a capacity to produce 1.5 million bottles a day.

With the potential to process up to 240,000l of milk per hour and one billion litres annually, the dairy is supplied by around 900 British farmers.

According to the UK-based company, the facility aims to be the first zero carbon facility of its kind and plans to use renewable energy opportunities.

Representing a significant investment in the UK, the Aylesbury facility will employ up to 700 people.

Owen Paterson said that Arla’s new facility is powering economic growth by creating 700 regional jobs, including 90 apprenticeships.

"Our long-term economic plan is working and we want more businesses to invest in the UK," Paterson added.

Arla Foods UK CEO Peter Lauritzen said an investment of this scale sends a compelling message to the company’s farmer owners, customers and employees that it has made a long-term commitment to the UK.

"The size and scale of our new dairy reinforces Arla’s leadership within the UK dairy industry and we have drawn a line in the sand when it comes to next generation fresh milk processing," Lauritzen added.

Image: Arla’s Aylesbury milk processing facility. Photo: courtesy of Arla Foods amba