Should the proposals go ahead, most of the cheese packing operations at the Kirkby site will be moved to SDUK’s existing Nuneaton facility, where the dairy manufacturer has recently completed a major investment.
According to the dairy manufacturer, new roles would be created at the Nuneaton site should the Kirkby facility be closed. As of writing, no decisions have been made and employee consultation on this proposal will begin shortly.
Committed to cheese production
A spokesman for the company said: “We remain committed to producing cheese in Hawes, and both the Wensleydale Creamery and our onsite Visitor Centre will continue to operate as usual. This proposal has no impact on our supplying farms.
“Proposals that have the potential to impact employees are never considered lightly. We believe that relocating this operation is right for the long-term future of the business as we maintain our efforts to pursue further efficiencies, reduce costs and manufacture products of the highest quality.
“SDUK will ensure the support of all employees who may be affected by these proposed changes.”
Saputo, has also proposed shutting down its Frome factory in Somerset, consolidating production at the Nuneaton site.
Saputo’s history in Yorkshire
The Canadian food group acquired Yorkshire-based Wensleydale Dairy products in a deal worth £23m in 2021. The purchase included the cheese maker’s two sites in Hawes and Kirkby Malzeard, which employed about 210 members of staff between them.
Saputo began to make a name for itself in the UK after it acquired Dairy Crest in 2019 for £975m. In the same year it acquired Wensleydale Dairy Products, the Canadian firm purchased vegan cheese maker Bute Island Foods for an undisclosed sum.
Meanwhile, supermarket chain Morrisons has opted against closing its Rathbones bakery site, after discussions with representatives from the Bakers, Food and Allied Workers Union.
