Major investment in West Bromwich facility will boost processing capacity by 25% and create 200 new jobs

Freshways, one of the UK's largest independent dairy suppliers, has announced a substantial £25 million investment in a cutting-edge dairy processing facility in West Bromwich. The strategic expansion represents a significant milestone in the company's growth trajectory and underscores the robust demand for British dairy products across retail and foodservice sectors.

Capacity Expansion and Market Response

The new processing hub is designed to increase Freshways' overall processing capacity by 25%, enabling the facility to handle up to 500 million litres of fresh British milk annually. This expansion directly responds to a significant uptick in orders from the company's foodservice and retail customers, following the successful relaunch of its core dairy product portfolio earlier this year.

"Our business is growing fast as we continue to win new customers every day," explained Bali Nijjar, managing director of Freshways. "We needed to add additional processing capacity while maintaining the quality and freshness Freshways has become known for."

Employment and Economic Impact

The facility is expected to generate at least 200 new employment opportunities, playing a crucial role in supporting the Mayor of West Midlands' Youth Employment Plan. The company has committed to engaging with local educational institutions, including schools, colleges, and universities, to promote career opportunities within the dairy sector.

West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker welcomed the investment, stating: "This major investment in West Bromwich will support British dairy farming, bolster our food supply chain, and create at least 200 new jobs for local people."

International Trade and Technology Integration

The facility will feature bespoke machinery sourced from India, marking one of the first major deals completed since the recent UK-India Free Trade Agreement. Over 200 pieces of specialized dairy processing equipment have been manufactured by IDMC in Gujarat, including five stainless steel silos, each weighing 17 tonnes and capable of holding a combined total of 625,000 litres of milk.

This collaboration not only enhances the technological capabilities of the facility but also positions Freshways as a key player in fostering international trade relationships within the dairy sector.

Supply Chain Integration

The West Midlands dairy hub will serve as a critical node in Freshways' national distribution network, processing milk sourced from hundreds of British dairy farms before distributing to over 15,000 foodservice and retail customers through 15 distribution centres nationwide.

The expanded capacity will also support Freshways' Milk & More doorstep delivery service, which has successfully signed up over 30,000 customers in its first quarter since acquisition, demonstrating the continued consumer demand for traditional milk delivery services.

Recruitment and Skills Development

As construction progresses, Freshways is preparing to launch a comprehensive recruitment drive targeting various specialized roles, including engineering, quality assurance, food safety, logistics, and support services. The initiative aligns with regional economic development goals and the mayor's youth employment objectives.

This investment is expected to significantly bolster the UK's dairy supply chain infrastructure, ensuring a steady supply of quality British milk and dairy products while supporting the broader agricultural economy.