Historic Stilton manufacturer set to close

One of only two remaining Stilton manufacturers in the whole of Leicestershire is set to close.

Arla Foods has announced that workers at Tuxford & Tebbutt in Melton Mowbray, which has been making cheese since 1780, were told on Friday morning (June 28) that the creamery would cease production.

The future of the Melton Mowbray plant has been up in the air since Arla announced a review of its operations in January. The firm had said it was looking for buyers for the creamery after experiencing a decline in the UK speciality cheese market.

The plant in Melton Mowbray employs around 60 people.

Fran Ball, vice-president of production at Arla, said: “Today Arla Foods has announced its proposal to cease production at Arla Melton Mowbray Creamery UK. This morning, we have spoken to our colleagues who are affected by these proposals and we are now entering in to a period of consultation with those colleagues. Our priority right now is to support our colleagues impacted during this challenging period.”

The only creamery making Stilton in Leicestershire is now the Long Clawson Dairy.