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End of era as 150 jobs go at Hartington dairy
AFTER more than 100 years, cheese production at a Peak District creamery is set to come to an end – with the loss of 150 jobs.
A question mark had been hanging over the future of workers at Hartington Creamery following the acquisition last August of Dairy Crest's Stilton and speciality cheese business by Leicestershire-based Long Clawson Dairy Ltd.
But following a Competition Commission inquiry into the acquisition, the new owners have decided to close the Hartington site and switch cheese production to its other factories.
Chief Executive of Clawson, Martin Taylor, said: "All businesses remain under huge pressure and we must now progress our consolidation plans taking unnecessary cost out of our business to remain competitive.
"We will be working closely with employees, their representatives and local employment agencies to secure alternative employment for as many staff as possible."
In January, the Competition Commission announced the merger wouldn't result in a substantive lessening of competition, but added that the Hartington site could not be restructured successfully to make it viable.
Production at Hartington Creamery will wind down over the next five months.
Meanwhile, work is already underway to secure a new future for the site.
Long Clawson has appointed a consultant to work with local authorities and the Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership to look at possible uses.
Jim Dixon, Chief Executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: "We would like to secure the future of this site as quickly as possible given the current economic climate. The local community will be consulted as proposals are made.
"Our planning officers are already working with Derbyshire Dales District Council and the Peak District Rural Housing Association to look at a proposal for six affordable houses but this will be part of a larger master plan for the whole site."
lHartington Creamery, established since 1875 by the Duke of Devonshire, is one of only seven dairies licensed to produce Blue Stilton. It also makes Shropshire Blue and Dovedale.
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Saturday 04 February 2012
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