Dairy Crest to cut jobs in Kirkby but invest in Aintree

DAIRY company Dairy Crest has announced plans to cut its workforce at its spreads factory in Kirkby, while increasing investment in its Aintree dairy division.

The company said it was “in consultation with employees” to reduce its cost base at the Kirkby plant, which employs around 115 staff. The consultation is expected to go on until the end of the month.

“Cost control remains a key part of our strategy and we continue to seek cost reductions on a daily basis across our business,” the company said in its interim management statement.

At the same time Dairy Crest said it planned to increase investment in its dairy division to the tune of £75m over the next three years.

The company’s Aintree milk bottling plant, which employs around 200 staff, is one of four sites across the country that will benefit from the investment.

Chief executive Mark Allen said: “Looking forward, the increased investment in our liquid milk dairies will allow us to drive further cost efficiencies, remain competitive and maintain high levels of service to our customers.
 
“We remain cautious about the trading environment for 2010 but the improvements we have made to our business during 2009 leave us well positioned to cope with the challenges.”