Last updated at 19:37, Thursday, 08 September 2011

First Milk will invest £10m in its Lake District Cheese Factory in Aspatria.

The farming co-operative has started a major overhaul of its whey processing facility and huge cranes have dominated the site for the last two weeks.

News of the investment emerged after First Milk announced its partnership with New Zealand-based Fonterra to supply high quality whey powder.

Paul Flanagan, of First Milk, said: “We dry the whey at the moment and it just goes into animal feed.

“As part of this joint venture we intend to invest money in whey processing and produce something more valuable than whey powder.

“It will be whey protein concentrate, which will go into things like energy drinks and high protein yoghurts.”

Fonterra struck the deal with First Milk to supply European customers of its growing food ingredients business.

The two dairy farmer co-operatives will combine their expertise to develop the new processes in Aspatria.

Mr Flanagan added: “The investment will be made over two financial years to April 2013 and will secure jobs in whey processing at the site.

“It’s really positive news for the factory.”

The money will be spent on new whey processing equipment.

The factory employs 84 people and has experienced a transformation of fortunes since being taken over by First Milk in 2006. Its Lake District Cheese brand is now worth £50m.

First published at 19:25, Thursday, 08 September 2011
Published by http://www.timesandstar.co.uk