Yogurt manufacturer opens production facility in Wales

The Welsh yogurt manufacturer, Llaeth Y Llan has completed a multi-million pound expansion of its production facility in Llannefydd, North Wales.

The opening of the 2,500 sq ft facility was celebrated on 25 May with the unveiling of a plaque by Leslie Griffiths, cabinet secretary for Environment & Rural Affairs.

The new dairy will allow the business to increase its manufacturing capacity, expand into new markets and introduce new products to its customers. The expansion has already facilitated the introduction of a Llaeth Y Llan-branded multipack of smooth yogurts targeting the children’s lunchbox market, which hits the shelves of Welsh supermarkets next month.

The Welsh Government has supported the project with £700,000 from the Wales Economic Growth Fund, whilst HSBC also supported with a £1.5m finance facility to develop the new unit. The company is already expanding its workforce to accommodate the new developments with further appointments planned to take place later in the year.

Referring to the news, Owain Roberts, managing director of Llaeth Y Llan CYF, says, “This is a very exciting time in the development of the company. The year has already started very positively with Llaeth Y Llan products becoming increasingly available in shops across Wales and England, and we have also recently started supplying to supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates.

“Securing funding from the Welsh Government and HSBC was critical for this project. We are also extremely grateful for the additional support we have received from the Welsh Government over the years, which has included business mentoring, training, attendance at trade exhibitions and introductions to commercial contacts. It has all helped to contribute to the continuous growth we are achieving’.

Euryn Jones, HSBC’s Regional Agriculture Director, commented: “The purpose-built facility will help the farm realise its ambition and potential to increase production and create new products for its customers. We look forward to working with the Roberts family as the business continues to grow and prosper.”