Wensleydale Creamery receives funding to boost cheese production

UK cheese maker Wensleydale Creamery has secured a deal with HSBC UK worth £17.9 million to invest in new equipment and increase production capacity.

With increased cheese production, the Yorkshire-based creamery aims to significantly grow sales, which will secure local employment opportunities and ensure a sustainable future for the local farms that supply them.

The funding from HSBC UK, along with an EU productivity grant of approximately £800,000 will be used by the manufacturer to modernise its facilities at its site in Hawes, Wensleydale.

Renovations will include the purchase of new vats, working tables and cheese-making and curd-handling equipment, with almost £1 million going towards a cheese blending and waxing facility. The manufacturer of Yorkshire Wensleydale cheese also plans to install a new cheese smoking plant, in addition to water recycling and increased milk storage capacity.

Together these changes will help improve efficiency and the working environment for its cheesemakers.

David Hartley, managing director of Wensleydale Creamery, said: “By investing in new, modern equipment, we can improve our efficiency as well as improve process control with technical excellence.

“It puts us in a strong position to grow the business and meet customer demand for our brand and products. HSBC UK provided sound guidance and showed enthusiasm for our growth plans.”

HSBC UK’s area director Gordon Forster said: “HSBC UK is a huge supporter of rural British business and Wensleydale Creamery is a much-loved British food brand, crucial to the economic well-being of the deeply rural area in which it is situated, and we’re delighted to help with its growth plans.

“David and his team have shown great commitment and strategic thinking behind their plans for sustainable growth and we wish them every success moving forward.”

Wensleydale Creamery produces 4,000 tonnes of cheese a year at its creamery in Hawes, North Yorkshire and employs a workforce of 230. It supplies large UK retailers, as well as exporting its cheeses around the world.