A TOUR of the Church Lane, Crediton, Milk Link processing facility was enjoyed by members of the Devon branch of the Women's Food and Farming Union (WFU).

The WFU members were given a guided tour by Health and Safety Officer, James Webber.

Milk Link is entirely owned by more than 1,600 British dairy farmers, producing some 12 per cent of Britain's milk supply.

While the majority of its members are based in the South West of England, it also has members farming in Cumbria, South West Scotland, Hampshire, Kent and East Sussex, Surrey, West Sussex and Wiltshire.

Formed in the year 2000, it employs around 1,430 people at eight processing facilities and in 2008/09 generated a turnover of £547m.

However, in May, Milk Link announced plans to close its Kirkcudbright facility with the potential loss of 121 jobs.

It is expected that the 35 million litres of milk based products currently produced in Scotland will be produced at the Milk Link depot at Crediton by the end of January.

This means that before January, there will be an opportunity for up to 10 extra jobs available at the Crediton depot.

The move will enable Milk Link to bring greater efficiency to its long life and extended shelf life milk and cream operations, according to Milk Link chief executive Neil Kennedy.

When the news of increased production at Crediton was announced, he added: "Our primary objective must be to deliver sustainable returns to our farmer members and this is particularly vital at a time of considerable pressure and volatility,

"We remain committed to being a major supplier of high quality and innovative milk drinks.

"Central to this will be the implementation of a major capital investment programme at Crediton, which will increase our production capabilities and efficiencies."

The firm says the shift of production from Scotland will result in an increased use of milk from regional farms in the dairy co-operative and reduce the amount needed from third party sources.

WFU members were able to see some of the work taking place on improving the Crediton processing plant.

alan-quick@crediton

couriernewspaper.co.uk