Yogurt maker expands factory after £2.2M investment

29-May-2017 - Last updated on 30-May-2017 at 09:25 GMT

Llaeth Y Llan's factory was expanded to 232m2

Related tags Wales

Welsh yogurt maker Llaeth Y Llan (Village Dairy) has increased its capacity and expanded into new markets after a £2.2M investment from HSBC and the Welsh government.

Llaeth Y Llan will focus on new product development after its north Wales-based factory expansion, it said. The expansion was supported by a £700,000 investment from the Welsh government, and a £1.5M cash injection from HSBC.

The factory extension increased its size to 232m². The expansion would create jobs later in the year, the dairy producer said.

‘Supplying supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates’

Llaeth Y Llan md Owain Roberts said: “This is a very exciting time in the development of the company. The year has already started very positively with Llaeth Y Llan products becoming increasingly available in shops across Wales and England, and we have also recently started supplying to supermarkets in the United Arab Emirates.

Welsh government support for exports

Developing export strategy
Selecting best market
Financial considerations
Understanding regulations

“Securing funding from the Welsh government and HSBC was critical for this project. We are also extremely grateful for the additional support we have received from the Welsh government over the years, which has included business mentoring, training, attendance at trade exhibitions and introductions to commercial contacts. It has all helped to contribute to the continuous growth we are achieving.”

The dairy firm could begin producing branded smooth yogurts, which target the children’s lunchbox market, after the expansion was completed, it said. The new product will be supplied to Welsh supermarkets from June.

‘Latest project’

HSBC regional agriculture director Euryn Jones said: “HSBC has been a proud supporter of Llaeth Y Llan since 1985, and this latest project is no exception.

“The purpose-built facility will help the farm realise its ambition and potential to increase production and create new products for its customers. We look forward to working with the Roberts family as the business continues to grow and prosper.”

Llaeth Y Llan sells its yogurts in two sizes of pots; 125g and 450g. Its 125g pots were available in 14 flavours, including gooseberry, mandarin and rhubarb. Its 450g pots come in seven flavours, including forest fruit, banoffee and vanilla.