UK dairy co-operative First Milk is proposing to close its Maelor cheese packing facility near Wrexham putting up to 231 jobs at risk.

The group said today (15 October) it has informed employees at the plant to close the facility by the end of May 2014. The move, it said, follows the loss of a “significant” customer contract and a consequent strategic review.

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The firm said it concluded that it is was “no longer economically viable” to keep the site operational. If the closure is confirmed, up to 231 employees could be affected.

“We very much regret the need to make the proposal to close our Maelor operation,” said a First Milk spokesperson. “We have a hard-working, loyal and committed workforce there and we are aware of the impact that this news will have on them. We will of course seek to provide those potentially affected with every support and address ways in which the impact of the proposals can be reduced.

“We have already briefed the trade unions at national and local level and have committed to work closely and constructively with them over the coming weeks and months.”

The spokesperson said it is “business as usual” at its creameries in Wales, England and Scotland.

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“There is increasing demand for good quality British cheddar and we currently supply a number of customers with bulk cheese which is then packed at third-party facilities. In the event of the closure of Maelor, we have plans to extend these arrangements.

“We remain fully committed to producing high quality British cheese from members’ milk as efficiently as possible, and providing our customers with a first class service.”