Wyke Farms, based near Bruton, has been granted planning permission to re-build its dairy.

The new project will create a 'state of the art' production facility and will be energy and water efficient as well as sympathetic to the surrounding environment.

It is part of a five year plan for growth, which focuses on increasing brand presence in export markets in preparation for post-Brexit trade.

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                                                         Richard Clothier of Wyke Farms 

Wyke Farms said that: "The redevelopment is part of the companies five-year plan for growth which is underpinned by increasing volume and the strategic targeting of specific regions world-wide.

"The company have concluded their market prioritization research; the results of which have been used to develop the Wyke Farms five-year plan for growth, which includes increasing brand presence in export markets in preparation for post-Brexit trade and launching new export targeted products throughout 2019.

"The companies’ audited accounts for year ending March 2018 show that turnover has risen to a record breaking high of £85 million; a significant 26 per cent increase from the previous year with significant investment into world markets and a growth plan aimed to push the business to a £100million turnover this financial year. 

"We have seen strong and consistent sales growth in the UK and overseas despite the challenging retail landscape."

"The new dairy expansion project, titled ‘Ivy’s Dairy’ after Wyke Farms’ matriarch Ivy Clothier will create a 16,589 sq m state of the art production facility.

"The dairy will be built to Ivy Clothier’s founding principles of producing the best in class quality combined with an industry leading respect for the environment. The development will be both energy and water efficient and sympathetic to the surrounding environment, with soft landscaping and a natural grass roof. 

"The investment will build a sustainable long-term future and build sufficient infrastructure for servicing increased sales of award winning cheddar in both the UK and export markets.

Richard Clothier, third generation family member and managing director, said: “Our strategy of selling into a growing export market has been very successful; it generates revenue that allows us to mitigate against the risks that a volatile dairy sector and a disrupted UK retail sector may bring. The new dairy is crucial to facilitate the growth and meet global demand”

Wyke Farms  has grown to become one of the largest family-owned cheese makers in Britain and sells over 15,000 tonnes annually to over 160 countries globally.