Somerset-based Chewton Dairy has been saved from closure by a buyout.
Previously owned by Lord Waldegrave, the dairy has been producing traditional mature farmhouse Cheddar for nearly 50 years. However, it had been hit hard by the effects of foot and mouth disease and was in need of investment.
Behind the venture is dairy entrepreneur Andrew Venton, who previously owned MCL in Evercreech, Somerset.
The company has already put into place an expansion plan, which includes the development of a new milk reception area and four new silos. It has also signed a new milk supply agreement with Lordswood Farm, securing a 12-fold increase in capacity from a previous supply of around 1.5 million litres of milk per year to a potential 17 million litres.
Lordswood, one of the biggest dairy farms in Britain, will take a shareholding in Chewton.