Müller UK & Ireland has set out the next phase of its transformation plans for its Skelmersdale site in West Lancashire, confirming significant investment to boost capacity and capability as global demand for dairy products continues to rise.
The dairy business said it is working to create a “flagship facility” for milk drying and dairy ingredients at the site, strengthening its position as a major producer and exporter of powdered milk products made in Britain using milk from British farms.
A central part of the investment plan includes the construction of an in-house logistics hub at Müller Skelmersdale, designed to accommodate up to 65 milk collection vehicles. The company said the new facility will support daily collection of raw milk from supplying farms.
To support the ongoing investment and growth, Müller confirmed it will recruit up to 90 new roles linked to the new logistics hub. Vacancies will include drivers, driver trainers, vehicle technicians and logistics support positions.
“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,” Rob Hutchison, CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients, said.
“Our investment will lead to better service and quality for our customers at home and abroad and new opportunities for local people.”
90 jobs at risk
However, Müller also revealed proposals to move fresh milk and cream production away from Skelmersdale to alternative locations within its existing UK network, following continued collaboration with its “strategic long-term retail partners”.
As part of the proposed changes, the business has launched a collective consultation at Skelmersdale to assess future operational requirements. Under the proposals, the site would become a centre of excellence for milk balancing – a move Müller says would strengthen supply chain resilience and support the wider dairy sector.
The review could place up to 90 roles at risk of redundancy, although Müller stressed that no final outcome has been determined and will not be decided until the consultation process is complete. The company added that it will explore opportunities to redeploy skills across the wider Skelmersdale site and the broader Müller network.
“Change is never easy, and consultations can be unsettling. We take this process seriously and will carefully consider every option before making decisions,” Hutchison said.
Müller said it will approach the consultation “in an open and constructive manner” and that “all available options” will be evaluated thoroughly before any decisions are made.