Milk processor Dairy Crest has announced it will close its creamery at Crudgington, Shropshire within the next 18 to 24 months. The closure, which Dairy Crest said was to “improve efficiency”, will put 161 workers out of a job.

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The company said that, by moving its butter and spreads business to the Dairy Crest plant at Kirkby, Liverpool, it would create around 50 jobs. Production of Clover spread was moved from the Shropshire site to Kirkby last year, which caused 90 job losses in Crudgington.

A further 20 jobs will be created at Severnside, Gloucestershire, which will also take on some of the butter production from Crudgington, according to Dairy Crest.

The USDAW union, which represents workers at the Crudgington creamery has pledged to fight the closure. Paul Taylor, Usdaw Area Organiser said on Thursday that Dairy Crest’s decision, "While still a shock for members, won't really have come as a surprise to them; we've been aware the company might seek to consolidate spreads manufacturing on just one site. We have feared the worst for Crudgington ever since the announcement to transfer Clover production was made.”

Mr Taylor continued, "Despite this, I have been on site today and the news has really demoralised everyone. Many employees and indeed members of their families have worked at the site for years. There is a real pride and loyalty in the workforce that the company will never be able to replace.

"We will examine the company's business case for the proposal in detail and do all we can to try and save jobs at the site, but in the circumstances it is likely to prove very difficult. Any closure is unlikely to take place until 2014 at the earliest and we'll use this short breathing space to do all we can to support members and explore all alternatives to protect their livelihoods."

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