Wells Farm Dairy, which supplies milk to some of the UK’s largest foodservice suppliers, will use newly acquired financial support to increase production, create new jobs and improve cash flow. As a result of the HSBC UK funding, the family-run farm has already invested over £3 million (€3.6m) in a new processing plant, which will more than double capacity from 30,000 litres to over 70,000 litres per hour. This includes a new automated bottle filling line in the packing hall, streamlining the filling, labelling and packing of milk into a variety of pack sizes for both retail and wholesale markets.

The funding will also allow Wells Farm Dairy to create an additional 15 jobs in the local area, spanning HR, quality assurance, production and technical management, bolstering its existing 180-strong workforce, the company says.  In addition, Wells Farm Dairy is targeting a 25% increase in retail and food service contracts and expects its annual turnover of £70 million to grow by 10% over the next 12 months.

Paul Holt, managing director at Wells Farm Dairy, says, “As a family business that has farmed on the same site for 100 years, we’re proud of our heritage and committed to growing the business in a way that stays true to our roots and supports the local community. With HSBC UK’s support, we’re able to grow sustainably and increase our capacity, while maintaining the high standards that underpin our Red Tractor, organic and gold-standard (BRCGS AA+) food safety certifications.”