Tomlinson's Dairies to build new 100m litre dairy

Tomlinson’s Dairies will start producing milk from a new 100m-litre dairy in Wrexham in May/June 2011.

The family-owned firm, which currently processes around 25m litres of milk a year, supplies the middle-ground retail market and the hospitality sector, but hopes to secure regional listings with the major supermarkets when its new 70,000 sq ft dairy comes on stream, the firm told FoodManufacture.co.uk.

The move could create 70-80 new jobs, said joint md Philip Tomlinson.

Initially, kit would be installed to process 50m litres, he added. “We are excited by the current development, which will see us doubling processing capacity as soon as the new factory is commissioned, with the long term potential to grow to 100m litres per annum.

“The new facility will achieve the technical standards required by all major retailers in the UK and will allow us to continue sourcing local Welsh milk and processing it and packing it within Wales, thereby reducing food miles."

Tomlinson’s, which owns its own farm but also procures milk from 30 local farmers, supplies more than 300 outlets in Wales and North West England.

The firm produces milk and cream in a range of formats including polybottles and 'eco-pouches', which are available as a third of a pint pouch with a straw for children or a one-litre pouch complete with a reusable jug.