The major investment plans for the Skelmersdale site were announced last summer, hot on the heels of Müller’s acquisition of Yew Tree Dairy in October 2024.
The £45 million is going towards enhancing the Müller site’s capacity and capabilities, as it looks to cement Skelmersdale’s position as one of the biggest and most flexible milk balancing facilities in the UK.
As Müller works to create a leading milk drying and dairy ingredients site, it has now confirmed plans to build an in-house logistics hub at Skelmersdale. This will accommodate up to 65 milk collection vehicles, supporting the collection of raw milk daily from supplying farms.
The construction of the logistics hub will also see the company adding up to 90 new roles, with vacancies ranging from drivers and driver trainees to vehicle technicians and logistics support roles.
Roles at risk
However, the firm is also proposing to move fresh milk and cream production from Skelmersdale to alternative locations within its existing UK network. As such, the business has confirmed a collective consultation at Skelmersdale to assess future operational requirements.
The review will potentially put up to 90 roles at risk of redundancy, whilst making the site a centre for excellence for milk balancing.
Within the proposal, the dairy company would look for potential opportunities of skill redeployment across the wider site and Müller network.
Müller has said it “will approach the consultation in an open and constructive manner, with a commitment to understanding the views of colleagues” with all available options “evaluated thoroughly before making any decisions”.
Commenting, Rob Hutchison, CEO of Müller Milk & Ingredients said: “We’re investing in a flagship facility that will set new standards for milk drying, dairy ingredients products and logistics, creating a bright future for Müller Skelmersdale.
“Our investment will lead to better service and quality for our customers at home and abroad and new opportunities for local people.
“Change is never easy, and consultations can be unsettling. We take this process seriously and will carefully consider every option before making decisions.
“We’re confident in the plans underway and the future developments we’re working on at Müller Skelmersdale - initiatives that will strengthen our position and deliver benefits across the entire dairy supply chain. We are creating long-term and highly-skilled local job opportunities and putting Skelmersdale firmly on the map as a key player in the UK dairy industry.”
