Arla Foods plans to close Cornwall plant

Arla Foods said it plans to cease production at its Trevarrian Creamery in Cornwall.

The proposal, subject to consultation with employees at the site, will result in potential loss or relocation of up to 37 jobs.

The farmer-owned dairy company cited ‘significant decline’ in site volumes due to loss of a number of key own-label cheese contracts, as well as continued instability in foodservice demand due to the ongoing pandemic for the decision.

“The drop in production volumes for the site means we believe it is no longer financial responsible for us to keep our Trevarrian facility in operation,” Alison Rance, vice president of production for Arla UK, said.

“We have explored multiple options including additional volume opportunities for the site, but see no other alternative than to propose a closure of the site.”

The company plans to close the site by early summer 2021, adding that it will look to recruit colleagues into vacant positions within their site network or support them to find suitable alternative employment, elsewhere.

“We recognise that this will be a difficult time for all those colleagues impacted by these proposals and our priority right now is to support them to manage this situation as best we can. We are entering into full consultation with all colleagues affected by this proposal, and their trade union representatives,” Rance added.

The site produces a range of brie, camembert and other cheeses predominantly under local brands or own-label retailer brands. Arla said volumes at the site have been in decline in the past three years.

If the proposal goes ahead, the milk from Arla farmers in the area would go to the company’s sites at Taw Valley and Westbury.