Buyer found for Llandyrnog Creamery

Jun 5 2009 By Dave Powell

A LEADING British cheese and dairy products business is set to buy Llandyrnog Creamery and its other operations.

The agreement by Milk Link, which is subject to legal formalities and is due to be completed by Friday, June 12, would safeguard 160 creamery jobs near Denbigh.

It would also provide an outlet for milk produced by about 300 farmers.

Administrators Pricewaterhouse Cooper had been appointed to find a buyer.

A Milk Link spokesman said: "Milk Link is pleased to announce that it has reached agreement on terms for the acquisition of the Llandyrnog Creamery and its associated operations.

"The agreement when ratified will secure the future of the award winning Welsh cheese creamery, safeguarding jobs and providing a secure outlet for milk produced by approximately 300 farmers.

Some had lost £20,000 in milk revenue for May when the creamery went into administration last week.

On the new agreement, Neil Kennedy, Milk Link Chief Executive, said: "This is great news both for Milk Link and the loyal staff and farmers who are at the very heart of the Llandrynog Creamery. The acquisition of Llandyrnog will complement our existing market leading cheese business and we believe will deliver, over time, substantial business benefits."

Milk Link is recruiting farmers to supply milk to the creamery and is working with relevant Dairy Farmers of Britain Council members to do this. Meetings will be held next week over finding farmers wanting to supply Llandyrnog.

Milk Link is the UK’s leading integrated dairy business, owned 100% by British dairy farmers. It manufactures cheese, long life milk, milk drinks, milk powders and supplies all the UK’s leading retailers. major food services businesses and food processors.

Milk Link exists to provide long-term security for its dairy farmer Members.