Environment Secretary hails £150m Arla dairy

The dairy, which is the most technologically advanced and efficient of its kind, has the potential to process up to 240,000 litres of milk per hour and one billion litres a year, supplied by around 900 British farmers, the majority of whom are owners of Arla.

Leeds-based Arla said the dairy is setting new environmental standards on a global scale and plans for it to be the first zero carbon facility of its kind. It has already achieved zero waste to landfill and will utilise cutting edge renewable energy opportunities.

Aylesbury is the largest single investment that Arla has made. It will employ up to 700 people, delivering £20m in wages, much of which will support the local and regional economy. It also supports more than 90 apprentices from the area.

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson, said: “Britain’s dairy industry contributes £3.7 billion to our economy and Arla’s new facility, the world’s largest fresh milk dairy, is powering economic growth by creating 700 regional jobs, including 90 apprenticeships.”

Peter Lauritzen, the outgoing chief executive of Arla Foods UK, said: “An investment of this scale sends a compelling message to our farmer owners, customers and employees that we have made a long-term commitment to the UK.”