Saputo Proposes Relocation of Cheese Operations Amid Major Investments
In a strategic move aiming for efficiency and cost reduction, Saputo Dairy UK (SDUK) has proposed the relocation of its cheese packing operations from the Kirkby site to its recently expanded Nuneaton facility.
This proposal is subject to employee consultations, and no final decision has been reached. Should the Kirkby facility close, new roles would reportedly be created at the Nuneaton site.
A company spokesperson stated, "We remain committed to producing cheese in Hawes, and both the Wensleydale Creamery and our onsite Visitor Centre will operate as usual. This proposal would not impact our supplying farms."
The spokesperson emphasized the careful consideration of proposals affecting employees, emphasizing the long-term business benefits of relocating operations to enhance efficiency and reduce costs while maintaining high product quality.
Saputo, a Canadian food group that acquired Wensleydale Dairy Products in 2021 for £23 million, is also considering shutting down its Somerset-based Frome factory, consolidating production at Nuneaton.
Saputo's UK presence was bolstered by its 2019 acquisition of Dairy Crest for £975 million, alongside the subsequent purchase of vegan cheese maker Bute Island Foods.
