UK dairy co-operative Dale Farm is making a significant investment of £70 million in its cheddar processing facility at Dunmanbridge, County Tyrone. This expansion represents one of the largest single investments ever made by a Northern Ireland agri-food company. By integrating state-of-the-art technologies and equipment at the site, Dale Farm is poised to increase production and achieve significant sustainability gains, positioning itself as a leading European cheddar manufacturer.
This investment follows a period of impressive growth for the co-operative, driven by increasing customer demand across the UK, Europe, and beyond. With the site already exporting cheddar to 40 countries worldwide, the expansion is a strategic move to support continued growth and capability for Dale Farm, establishing it as a key player in the European cheddar market.
According to Nick Whelan, Group Chief Executive at Dale Farm, the investment will not only enhance the co-operative’s reputation for quality, sustainability, and consistency but also drive growth in customer demand. The co-operative’s dedication to innovation and excellence has been instrumental in its success, with plans to further solidify its position in the market and fortify its operations at Dunmanbridge for the long term.
Scheduled to go live in February 2025, the expanded operation at Dunmanbridge is already in progress. Apart from upgrading existing services and utilities, the expansion will introduce a new high-speed automated cheese slicing line, expand the warehouse footprint, and introduce new patented products and processes. This investment will boost the site’s cheese capacity by 20,000 tonnes per year and enhance its WPC (whey protein concentrate) capacity, while also incorporating advanced energy-efficient technologies to reduce the carbon footprint by an estimated 4,500 tonnes per year compared to milk powder production.
Nick Whelan emphasizes the co-operative’s commitment to leadership, sustainability, and innovation in the sector, with a strong focus on digital transformation, new technologies, and sustainability initiatives. With a patent for cheddar production at the site and a drive towards reducing the carbon footprint, Dale Farm is setting a new standard in quality and environmental responsibility.
Currently supporting over 1,100 families in the local area, the Dunmanbridge site employs 345 individuals and receives milk supply from 760 farms out of Dale Farm’s 1,280 milk producers. This investment is not only transformative for Dale Farm but also for the Northern Ireland rural economy, reflecting the co-operative’s dedication to supporting its farmers and driving growth in the region.
Owned by 1,300 dairy farmers across Northern Ireland, England, and Scotland, Dale Farm serves customers in 45 countries worldwide, operating from 8 sites across the UK and employing 1,200 people. With a vision for the future and a commitment to sustainability, innovation, and growth, Dale Farm is poised to shape the future of the food manufacturing sector.
