Dairy supplier Medina has started a major £3.5 million development programme to further upgrade its Watson’s Dairy in Hampshire.
The investment is hoped will deliver greater operational flexibility and efficiencies, and is in line with Medina’s strategic focus to enhance further its ability to service the fresh milk and cream requirements of the major multiple retailers.
It will mean that the milk of some 96 local dairy farmers will now be processed at the dairy, securing the jobs of Watson’s existing 95 employees and resulting in the creation over the next 6 months of up to 25 additional new roles.
Watson’s Dairy, a Grade A British Retail Consortium dairy production facility, will benefit from the installation of a new automatic trolley packing and additional milk and cream silos.
The investment, which will be completed by late Spring 2017, will expand Medina’s operational capability in the South East of England.
Commenting on the announcement, Mike Sheldon, Medina Dairy’s Managing Director, said: “This major investment at Watson’s will further enhance our ability to be a credible and competitive supplier of fresh milk & cream to major retailers.
“It will enable us to deliver greater operational flexibility & efficiencies, enhanced product segregation capabilities, and improved levels of customer service.”