Dairy processor Arla Foods has confirmed it will close a Sussex plant in June with the loss of 180 jobs.

As reported in The Argus in January, the dairy at Sheffield Park, near Uckfield, will shut because its processing capacity is bigger than required.

A resource centre and job shop has now been set up at the site. The company said staff have been fully trained in hygiene procedures, production packing and health and safety, with a wide range of skills.

Arla Foods UK is part of an international company and the plant was mainly used for processing milk for the Arla Express Foodservice, which supplied dairy products to clients such as coffee chains.

Last year the company sold off Express Foodservice to rival firm Dairy Crest, which has its own processing plants.

Isobel Bretherton, of the National Farmers' Union, said: "Farmers are bitterly disappointed this plant is closing, after considerable investment, as a result of yet more streamlining in the dairy industry.

"This is quite apart from the fact that farmers are still paid milk prices below the cost of production."

Managers said staff skills ranged from production planning and secretarial to warehouse operations, quality assurance and technical experience.

The job shop can be contacted on 01825 724304.

Friday, May 12, 2006