Arla Foods plans UK facility closure and a loss of up to 370 jobs

The proposed closure of the Ashby-de-la-Zouch site, in April 2014, could result in the loss of up to 370 jobs, subject to consultation with colleagues potentially affected by the plans. It is intended that raw milk will transfer from the Ashby site over a phased period, commencing in October 2013.

Commenting on the announcement, Lars Dalsgaard, head of Arla UK’s supply chain, said: “Our new dairy in Aylesbury is on track to be processing milk, commercially, by the autumn and volumes are ahead of our original expectations.”

Workers are said to be ‘shell shocked’ by the announcement, according to Usdaw ((the Union Of Shop, Distributive and Allied Workers).

Usdaw area organiser Ed Leach said: “Usdaw members are understandably shell shocked by the announcement, even though they knew the company is going through a period of reorganising and restructuring. This is another major blow to Ashby and the local economy.

“The Union will now be entering a period of meaningful consultation to examine in detail the business case for the closure and we understand that the company’s proposal is to close the site down over the next nine months.”

“The Union will be doing everything it can to support our members at this very difficult time.”