Following the launch of Müller Milk and Ingredients’ (MMI) Project Darwin programme in February, Britain’s largest producer of branded and private label fresh and flavoured dairy products will review its network of dairies and enter a logistics partnership with Culina Group, Müller’s sister company.
A consultation process will take place over 45 days, where the company will examine current and future utilisation and capacity requirements at its network of six dairies.
Müller has said that, though no outcome will be determined until the process is finalised, the company ‘cannot rule out’ the possibility of the closure of a manufacturing site in order to bring capacity in line with customer requirements.
The partnership with Culina Group, a chilled distribution and transport specialist, has been agreed in order to optimise costs and customer service.
From June 1, Culina will oversee the day-to-day management control of MMI Distribution. Müller noted that the current 2,500 employees in that area will see no change to their contracts of employment.
Patrick Müller, CEO of MMI, said: “Project Darwin is making excellent progress with the whole workforce fully engaged in securing a vibrant, progressive future for our fresh milk business and very positive collaboration with customers who share our desire to reinvigorate this important sector.
“It is a matter of considerable regret that we must consult on steps which could result in a restructuring of our dairy network and capacity but we must ensure the sustainability of our business and address potential over-capacity in our network.
“The distribution business partnership with Culina Group, a sister company within Müller Group, will put together the two major chilled logistics networks in the UK, ensuring that we can further build upon our reputation for great customer service at the lowest cost.”
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