UK – 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 entrepeneur Andrew Venton. With Venton stepping in, the jobs of four existing employees have been secured, three people have been re-employed and five new positions have been created. This is Venton’s second dairy venture – he previously owned MCL in Evercreech, Somerset, which he later sold on. Previous to that he was an employee at cheese producer McLellands in Scotland.

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 also aims to increase production at the dairy by threefold from the 50 tonnes a year it was producing under Lord Waldegrave.