Müller Wiseman strengthens supply after dairy fire
The company claimed to have substantially increased production of fresh milk products across its processing network and confirmed temporary packing agreements with other processors.
The measures taken would ensure demand was met for fresh milk products until the Droitwich site could resume normal operations.
Ronald Kers, ceo of Müller UK & Ireland Group, said while the dairy’s design prevented further extensive ravaging, a low voltage switch room had been damaged, forcing the whole plant to close.
It would take time to bring the dairy back online as a result of the impact of the fire on some of its systems, said Kers. In addition, the local fire service was still attempting to confirm the cause of the fire, which is not thought to be suspicious.
‘Priority to keep the milk flowing’
“Our priority is to keep the milk flowing to customers while we assess and repair the damage,” said Kers. “We are doing everything we can to ensure service levels are as close to the exceptionally high levels our customers have come to expect.
“These measures will remain in place until such a time as the recovery plans are fully complete. We are delighted with the support we have received from our customers and colleagues throughout the company and with the assistance we are receiving from other dairy companies in Britain.
“It has long been the case that the industry steps up when major dairies suffer incidents of this kind and just as we have provided support to others, we are pleased that this is now being reciprocated.”
Heiner Kamps, ceo of Müller Wiseman’s parent group Theo Müller said: “We are ensuring that Müller Wiseman Dairies benefits from full and immediate access to resources, investment and expertise which is available from the group.
‘Will do whatever we can’
“Our colleagues in the UK know that they have the group’s support and we will do whatever we can to assist in bringing Droitwich back into full operation as quickly as possible.”
Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) were called to reports of a fire in the main electrical intake of the dairy plant at 22:00 hours on Monday (October 15).
75 firefighters battled the blaze, which broke out on the second floor of the factory and damaged a quarter of that floor, according to a statement from the fire service.
During the incident, crews had to contend with structural damage to ceilings and walls and the fire was successfully brought under control within five hours of the initial call.
“This was a particularly complex incident due to the nature and layout of the building and the intensity of the fire,” said area commander Keith Chance from HWFRS.
“Fire service personnel worked closely with on-site specialists and Western Power to resolve the incident quickly and avoid further fire spread.”
